PERSPECTIVE: Prioritizing quality of life in the management of hyperthyroidism: an expert clinical perspective

Hyperthyroidism adversely affects quality of life (QoL), encompassing physical, mental and social functioning and well-being. Patients with hyperthyroidism often complain of anxiety, physical symptoms and tiredness. Concurrent thyroid eye disease (TED) further reduces QoL. With treatment of hyperthyroidism, QoL improves. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, overall QoL and tiredness are among the domains that improve with a high effect size. Notwithstanding, the overall reduction in QoL persists compared to a matched general population, which seems to relate to residual tiredness, mental fatigue and concerns about levothyroxine substitution, ophthalmological symptoms and weight gain. Common factors contributing to reduced QoL in the long term have been described and include a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, the psychological burden of chronic illness, TED, possible inability of levothyroxine replacement to restore euthyroidism in all tissues, and central nervous system residual damage and/or dysfunction. The aetiology and treatment modality for hyperthyroidism may also play a role. In addition, a recently highlighted contributor and predictor of poor QoL is excessive weight gain, which given the global epidemic of obesity, mandates further attention. Regarding newer therapies for hyperthyroidism, notably radiofrequency ablation and molecular targeted immunotherapies, there is a dearth of objective data on QoL. New or improved tools for assessing QoL may be needed to better capture all concerns of these patients. There is a need for randomized controlled studies to guide practitioners regarding which pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions offer the best long-term QoL outcomes in hyperthyroidism. Anti-obesity medications to mitigate weight gain could also be considered for such patients.

Thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism) worsens patients' QoL, which usually improves after treatment. However, QoL is not completely restored for many patients. The reasons are multiple, including excessive weight gain. New approaches in treating hyperthyroidism are needed to address the long-term effects on QoL.