Prognosis

Hyperthyroidism is generally treatable with no long-term adverse effects and only rarely is life threatening. In most cases, the problem causing hyperthyroidism can be cured, or the symptoms can be eliminated or greatly reduced.

Side effects of medications used to treat hyperthyroidism may be more problematic in older people. Surgical removal of a portion of the thyroid (subtotal thyroidectomy) is generally effective but can result in inadequate production of thyroid hormone in the body. Older people are also at high risk for complications such as cardiac failure. If left untreated, however, hyperthyroidism places undue stress on the heart and many other organs.

 Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves disease (autoimmune disease where the thyroid is overactive, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones) usually gets worse over time. It has many complications, some of which are severe and affect quality of life. If they were treated with anti-thyroid drugs, prolonged remissions of the illness may occur. Radioactive iodine also is an effective treatment for Graves' disease. It is almost always used in patients with overproducing thyroid nodules. However, this treatment may come with hypothyroidism as its complication. Fortunately, this condition can be easily treated with daily thyroid replacement medication.