Q: I am 28 years old man suffering from hyperthyroidism, goitre and high blood pressure since one year. I have been taking Carbimazole 10 mg thrice a day. My TSH levels and shivering are under control. But the thyroid gland is still there. The doctor has advised me to take the same medicine for the next few months and after that I can stop the medicines. Can goitre be purely controlled by medicines? If I stop taking the medicine, would my TSH level remain stable? Is thyroid the only problem for increasing the BP? What are the side effects of taking this medicine for a long period?

A:The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, needs confirmation, mere high T4 and low TSH does not mean hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism treatment is for minimum 18 months with anti thyroid drugs. Goitre may or may not be controlled with drugs. Hyperthyroidism can cause high systolic BP only. Drugs may or may not have side effects. Hyperthyroidism is prone for recurrence if not treated properly.