Ablation generally refers to thyroid ablation, which is useful for treating hyperthyroidism, but is generally not the treatment of choice; however, it is not effective for treating hypothyroidism. Thyroid ablation generally destroys thyroid tissue through high temperature and reduces the function of the thyroid gland, which ultimately plays a role in treating hyperthyroidism, but it is generally not the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism. After diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, medications such as propoxypyrine and methimazole are usually considered, and if medications recur or are ineffective, other treatments may be considered, including ablation and surgery. Thyroid ablation is not generally used to treat hypothyroidism because it does not relieve the condition. Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism may be treated with levothyroxine sodium tablets. However, patients with hypothyroidism who have large thyroid nodules may be able to have the nodules treated with ablation. Patients with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should go to the hospital and ask their doctor to determine if thyroid ablation is necessary.