title: Hyperthyroidism: advantages and disadvantages of medical therapy.
abstract: The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can be treated medically with antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine, or surgically. Multiple clinical factors must be weighed when choosing a treatment modality. All of the available forms of therapy have advantages and disadvantages, and treatment choices must be individualized.
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA02118, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Lewis E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Braverman
mesh_terms: D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018579:Patient Selection; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes