Thyroid Therapy
Two common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is almost always due to disease within your thyroid gland that causes a decrease in the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones effect things such as the speed of chemical reactions in the body and the rate of tissue growth. When you become hypothyroid, many of the affected bodily functions slow down.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Effects of hyperthyroidism include rapid or irregular heartbeat, weakness, heat intolerance and weight loss.
Radioiodine treatment can help to reduce or eliminate some thyroid diseases. This treatment is recommended after the overactive thyroid is brought under control with tablets. The great advantage of radioiodine is that it is given at an outpatient visit, as a single tasteless drink. It has little or no side effects but smoothly and painlessly cures some thyroid conditions. The radiation given off by this form of iodine decreases the function of the thyroid cells and inhibits their ability to grow, which is the desired medical effect of this treatment.
The radioiodine from your treatment will remain in your body only temporarily. Most of the radioiodine not collected by your thyroid gland will be eliminated during the first 2 days after your treatment.
