what happens to thyroid with radioactive iodine treatment

Radioactive iodine

(I-131) has been used to treat overactive thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism) since the early 1940s. It is an effective method of treatment and is now being offered as first-line definitive treatment rather than surgery. Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid, and destroys the cells in the thyroid gland.

Full Answer

Is taking iodine bad for thyroid health?

“That tiny amount of iodine enables the thyroid to manufacture just the right amount of the thyroid hormone thyroxine,” Lipman says. But ingesting excess iodine can cause health problems. It is particularly worrisome for people with thyroid nodules—bumps on the thyroid glands that can be very small and often go unnoticed.

What is life like after thyroid cancer?

The average time is about a week. What is life like after thyroid cancer? More than 90% of patients who are treated for papillary or follicular cancer will live for 15 years or longer after the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Eighty percent of patients with medullary thyroid cancer will live for at least 10 years after surgery.

Can your thyroid return after radiation treatment?

Most people do very well after treatment, but follow-up care is very important since most thyroid cancers grow slowly and can recur even 10 to 20 years after initial treatment. Your health care team will explain what tests you need and how often they should be done.

What tests are needed after thyroid removal?

These may include one of the following:

• Large thyroid or multi-nodular goitre (a goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland) causing obstructive symptoms of breathing or swallowing difficulties
• Solitary nodule thyroid adenoma (a benign tumour)
• Thyroid cancer
• Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis)
• Recurrent thyroid cyst
• Where the type of nodule is unclear

Does radioactive iodine get rid of thyroid?

Because of this, radioactive iodine (RAI, also called I-131) can be used to treat thyroid cancer. The RAI collects mainly in thyroid cells, where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells (including cancer cells) that take up iodine, with little effect on the rest of your body.

Can your thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine treatment?

Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism after RAI therapy may be due to inadequate dosing or early Marine Lenhart syndrome.

Can radiation therapy affect your thyroid?

Many patients who have radiation therapy for head and neck cancer receive radiation to the area of the thyroid gland, an important organ located in the midline lower neck. Damage to the thyroid gland from radiation therapy can result in hypothyroidism.

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?

Possible long term side effectsAbility to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment. ... Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made) ... Tiredness. ... Dry or watery eyes. ... Lower levels of blood cells. ... Lung problems. ... Second cancers.

Does radioactive iodine treatment shorten your life?

Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery. Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery.

Do you gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.

Does radiation to the neck cause thyroid problems?

People treated with radiation to the head and neck are 2 times more likely to develop thyroid problems than other cancer survivors. The following can also increase the risk for thyroid problems: radiation therapy to the head, neck, upper chest or spine.

Which is better thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine?

Surgery for hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death as compared to radioactive iodine therapy during long-term follow-up, particularly in men.

Can radiation shrink thyroid nodules?

Bulging or uncomfortable thyroid nodules used to require surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective alternative – no surgery or hormone therapy required. In the U.S., nearly half the population will develop a thyroid nodule by age 60.

Does radioactive iodine affect teeth?

High-dose radioiodine treatment can impair the long-term dental health, depending on the intensity of treatment and individual radioiodine uptake within the salivary glands. Patients should be made aware of salivary gland damage before high-dose radioiodine treatment.

Does radioactive iodine affect your immune system?

Treatment of Graves' disease patients with radioactive iodide (RAI) can induce two therapeutically important alterations in immune response to thyroid antigens. These may be characterized as a first response and a second phase response.

What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?

The most common adverse reaction to medical therapy was a rash in 8 patients, followed by neutropaenia (neutrophils < 1.0 × 109/L) in 6 patients. LFT derangement was reported in 3 patients taking PTU and 1 patient taking carbimazole.

What is the radiation used for thyroid cancer?

The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans, which are described in Tests for Thyroid Cancer. This treatment can be used to ablate (destroy) any thyroid tissue not removed by surgery or to treat some types of thyroid cancer that have spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

How long should I take thyrotropin before RAI?

Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day. Most doctors also recommend that you follow a low iodine diet for 1 or 2 weeks before treatment.

How to treat RAI?

For RAI therapy to be most effective, you must have a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) in the blood. This hormone is what makes thyroid tissue (and cancer cells) take up radioactive iodine. If your thyroid has been removed, there are a couple of ways to raise TSH levels before being treated with RAI: 1 One way is to stop taking thyroid hormone pills for several weeks. This causes very low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), which makes the pituitary gland to release more TSH. This intentional hypothyroidism is temporary, but it often causes symptoms like tiredness, depression, weight gain, constipation, muscle aches, and reduced concentration. 2 Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day.

How long after radiation therapy can you go home?

Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation. Some people may not need to be hospitalized. Once you are allowed to go home after treatment, you will be given instructions on how to protect others from radiation exposure and how long you need to take these precautions. These instructions may vary slightly by treatment center. Be sure you understand the instructions before you leave the hospital.

Can you use rai for thyroid cancer?

Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.

Can radiation cause irregular periods?

Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman’ s ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment.

Does radioactive iodine help with thyroid cancer?

Radioactive iodine therapy helps people live longer if they have papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer) that has spread to the neck or other body parts, and it is now standard practice in such cases. But the benefits of RAI therapy are less clear for people with small cancers of the thyroid gland ...

Why is iodine important for the thyroid gland?

Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which use s it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.

What is iodine used for?

Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 ( harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 ( destroys thyroid cells ). The radiation emitted by each of these forms of iodine can be detected from outside the patient to gain information about thyroid function ...

What is the I-123 isotope used for?

I-123 is the usual isotope used to take pictures and determine the activity of the intact thyroid gland ( Thyroid Scan and Radioactive Iodine Uptake, RAIU ), since it is harmless to thyroid cells. No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, ...

Is rai safe for X-rays?

RAI is safe to use in individuals who have had allergic reactions to seafood or X-ray contrast agents, since the reaction is to the compound containing io dine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.

When can you stop breast feeding after I-131?

This protects the baby who would otherwise receive radioactive milk and the mother’s breasts which concentrate RAI. Breastfeeding must be stopped at least 6 weeks before administration of I-131 treatment and should not be restarted after administration of RAI, but can be safely done after future pregnancies.

Can RAI cause thyroid cancer?

Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of RAI for hyperthyroidism and always seen after RAI for thyroid cancer. This is usually easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ). Some studies suggest a slight increase in thyroid cancers may be seen after RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism.

What are the side effects of iodine?

Other side effects of radioactive iodine include: 1 Metallic taste in the mouth: This can last for a few weeks. 2 Nausea: This usually subsides one to two days after treatment. 3 Swollen salivary glands: This can last for a few weeks. It is caused by iodine absorbed by the salivary glands, though stimulating saliva flow a day after treatment (by sucking a lemon drop, for instance) is an effective remedy.

What is radioactive iodine ablation?

Your doctor may refer to it as radioactive iodine ablation (ablation is a term that refers to destruction or erosion). This article will focus on what you might expect when you are faced with the total elimination of your thyroid gland and its key functions. Graves disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism, occurs most often in women, ...

How long after iodine treatment can you drink water?

For the first 3 days after treatment, stay a safe distance away from others (6 feet is enough). Avoid public places and drink plenty of water (to encourage the removal of radioactive iodine through your urine). For the first three days, do not share items (utensils, bedding, towels, and personal items) with anyone else.

How long does iodine last?

Other side effects of radioactive iodine include: Metallic taste in the mouth: This can last for a few weeks. Nausea: This usually subsides one to two days after treatment. Swollen salivary glands: This can last for a few weeks.

What cells absorb iodine?

Thyroid cells are the main cells in the body that can absorb iodine, so there is very little radiation exposure to the rest of your body's cells. When the thyroid cells absorb the radiation, they are damaged or destroyed. Approximately 90% of patients need only one dose before they are cured of their hyperthyroidism.

How long does it take for a thyroid to heal?

Though you may only need a single dose, it may take up to six months before the medication fully destroys all or part of the thyroid. Fortunately, most patients experience reduced symptoms about a month after treatment. If your symptoms persist 6 months after treatment, you may need a second dose.

Does iodine kill thyroid cells?

The radioactive iodine often kills an excessive amount of thyroid cells, leaving the thyroid unable to produce enough hormones—the opposite problem you had before. It might seem odd to replace one disorder with another, but hypothyroidism is much easier to treat on a long-term basis than hyperthyroidism.

How long can you live after iodine treatment?

You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.

How long does radioactive iodine affect sperm count?

Important to men is the fact that radioactive iodine can cause short-term reductions in sperm count for up to 2 years after your procedure (8). This may or may not be important to you based on your age, your gender, and whether or not fertility is something you are interested in but, again, it's worth knowing about.

How to avoid weight gain after RAI?

Your best bet to AVOID weight gain after RAI is to go into your procedure with a normal weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after. Just realize that you will always be in a 'sensitive' category and you will be more likely to gain weight compared to people with their thyroid intact. #3.

How long does it take for a RAI to fade?

The good news is that this radioactivity does fade over a short period of time (usually 5 to 7 days) but the bad news is that you need to stay under certain precautions during this time.

What happens if you destroy your thyroid gland?

And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Anectodally, you've probably already heard stories about people gaining weight after their procedure.

Can you survive after RAI?

You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldn't do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. And to key to getting there is to understand what happens to your body after this procedure and how it influences your thyroid function.

Can you take a thyroid pill every day?

There's no way for doctors to give you a pill once a day and for that pill to perform the exact same function that your thyroid gland does every minute of every day. Because of this, people may experience symptoms which may lead them to want to restore whatever thyroid function they can.

How long does it take for thyroid to develop after radioactive iodine?

Over two-thirds of those who have radioactive iodine treatment will develop hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). This can occur anytime from one month after the treatment and is most common within the first 12 months after treatment but can occur later.

What is radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid, and destroys the cells in the thyroid gland. This has the effect of reducing the amount of thyroxine made by the thyroid gland and may also reduce the size of the gland.

What is levothyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine, which is thyroxine in tablet form, is used to replace the thyroxine that your thyroid gland is unable to produce. You may have got used to increased food intake without weight gain during the period of over-activity (increased metabolism).

How long does it take for iodine to work?

A common longer term side-effect of radioactive iodine treatment is an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), so it is very important to have regular thyroid blood tests starting from four to six weeks after the treatment to identify and treat this early, with levothyroxine.

Does iodine cause hair loss?

For some patients who are treated with radioactive iodine to reduce the size of a goitre, there is also a small risk that they may develop Graves’ disease. There is no risk that patients treated with radioactive iodine for an overactive or enlarged thyroid will lose their hair as a result of the treatment.

Can thyroid disease cause high thyroid hormone levels?

If the thyroid gland is very overactive, radioactive iodine can cause dangerously high levels of thyroid hormone and, very rarely, a condition known as thyroid crisis or storm.

Can you give radioactive iodine to a pregnant woman?

Radioactive iodine treatment is not given to: Pregnant women - radioiodine crosses the placenta and can affect the thyroid gland developing in the unborn baby. Breast-feeding women - the radioactive iodine passes via the milk to the baby’s thyroid gland. Anyone who is regularly vomiting or incontinent.

Can you get thyroid health back after RAI?

Although some people can have their thyroid health restored after receiving RAI, there is no way to predict if this will happen, as it depends on a few factors , including how much damage has occurred to the thyroid gland. If the person has certain nutrient deficiencies then this can also affect the healing process.

Does iodine-131 destroy thyroid cells?

So it will travel through the bloodstream to the thyroid gland. But unlike the mineral iodine, RAI will destroy the cells of the thyroid gland.

Does radioactive iodine kill thyroid cells?

Well, even if there isn’t an autoimmune component, many people with multinodular goiter have other imbalances, such as adrenal weakness, toxic overload, etc. The point I’m trying to make is that radioactive iodine uses radiation to kill thyroid cells, but in no way does it do anything to restore one’s health.

Can radioactive iodine be used to restore thyroid health?

The truth is, when someone receives radioactive iodine there really is no way to predict whether or not their thyroid health can be restored back to normal. This depends on how much damage has been done to the thyroid gland. And this in turn depends on a few different factors.

Is radioactive iodine safe for hyperthyroidism?

Radioactive iodine treatment is commonly recommended by endoc rinologists as a “cure” for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. While many people who receive this treatment seem to do fine, others regret the decision to have received this treatment method. And for those who are considering to receive radioactive iodine, ...

How to treat hypothyroidism after radioactive iodine?

Hypothyroidism is most often treated through hormone replacement therapy —a safe and effective treatment option that involves taking hormone medications to restore healthy hormone levels. Most people who develop hypothyroidism after radioactive iodine treatment can expect to take some form of hormone medication every day for the rest of their lives. This may sound extreme at first, but this vital medication is essentially doing the job of a healthy thyroid gland; it’s absolutely critical to bodily health. And while you may not feel any side effects of the medication when it’s working, whether good or bad, most patients say they notice an immediate difference when they stop taking their medication. To feel well every day and avoid all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, this simple step usually feels like a no-brainer.

How long after RAI can you start thyroid hormone?

They may even preemptively schedule you to start thyroid hormone treatment within a few weeks of the RAI procedure, just to be safe.

What is the term for a thyroid gland that no longer produces enough hormones for the body to function at an optimal

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland no longer produces enough hormones for the body to function at an optimal level. T4 and T3 hormones are used by every cell in the body’s many systems but are primarily involved in regulating metabolism.

How does the body convert T4 to T3?

The human body naturally converts T4 hormones into T3 through the process of monodeiodination. But some people struggle to process this conversion and may require T3 supplementation in order to feel their best. T3 medications are a possible treatment option for you if your body hasn’t responded to T4 treatment alone.

Can you take thyroid medication after radioactive iodine?

No matter which hormone medications you need to take in order to treat hypothyroidism after radioactive iodine treatment, the best route is to consult with a hormone health specialist and get expert counsel. Maintaining a stable dose of thyroid medication is a job any primary care physician would be able to take on.

Can you take thyroid medication after RAI?

However, it can take a little while for you and your doctor to find the appropriate dose for your thyroid medication. Too little, and your hypothyroidism symptoms, such as deep fatigue and hair loss, may compromise your quality of life. Too much, and you might experience the familiar racing heart and nervous energy that you needed RAI to resolve. It’s also possible for hypothyroidism to worsen over time, which is why ongoing monitoring is critical to ensuring the best outcomes. After years of taking one dose of hormones, you might need to increase to a higher dose.

Can you get hypothyroidism after iodine?

Treating Hypothyroidism After Radioactive Iodine Treatment Helps You Find Balance. For those who struggle with hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) can be a life-changing treatment option. But despite the promise of RAI, there is often a downside: you are likely to develop transient or permanent hypothyroidism ...