This procedure has traditionally been performed for people with Graves» disease, large goiters, and for people with thyroid cancer, and results in a lifelong need for thyroid medications. (thyroidpharmacist.com)
However, removal of the thyroid gland might be recommended for a large goiter, for one causing breathing or swallowing problems, for nodules, or for thyroid cancer. (hormone.org)
Synthetic thyroid hormones (such as synthroid, levoxyl, levothroid, & unithroid) are generally prescribed for hypothyroidism and large goiters, but there is a natural desiccated thyroid hormone (such as armour) made from pig thyroids available. (progressivehealth.com)