How to treat Graves' disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with Graves disease 18 months ago. My most two recent tests are as follows:

After I was on Methimazole 5 mg for five months.

Total T3 - 281 ng/dL.
Free thyroxine - 2.63 ng/dL.
TSH was <0.01 uIU/mL (undetectable).

After I was on Methimazole 20 mg for three months.

Total T3 - 225 ng/dL.
Free thyroxine - 2.7 ng/dL.
TSH was <0.01 uIU/mL (undetectable).

My symptoms have not improved, despite the change in total T3 blood results. My question here is, are the medicines working? Should I test for free T3 as well?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and the detailed information that you have provided and it appears that you have Grave's disease and it is not responding to anti-thyroid medication.

I suggest you must ask your doctor to start treatment with radioactive iodine. It will cure your hyperthyroidism and render you an euthyroid or hypothyroid which is more benign than hyperthyroidism and can be treated with thyroxine replacement if necessary. It has been a long time since you were not rendered euthyroid and it is not a good thing.

Whatever tests you have done are enough and good to go so no need for further tests as of now.

I hope you find my advice of some benefit.

Thank you.