Pros and cons of iodine 131 treatment

Iodine 131 is a new treatment method specifically for hyperthyroidism. Perhaps many people are not very familiar with this treatment method, and some people have never even heard of it. Therefore, many patients with hyperthyroidism cannot accept this treatment. In fact, this treatment method is a better way to treat hyperthyroidism. It can effectively treat hyperthyroidism and alleviate the condition. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this treatment method.

Advantages of iodine-131 in treating hyperthyroidism

1. The treatment has precise efficacy, high cure rate and low recurrence rate. Patients generally experience gradual therapeutic effects 2 to 3 weeks after taking the medication, with symptoms and signs beginning to ease and then gradually disappearing, achieving recovery. Some patients who are not cured after one course of treatment can be treated again.

2. Iodine-131 is an oral medication and is a non-invasive treatment.

3. It is simple. The necessary examinations and tests before treatment usually only take 2 days. Patients do not need to be hospitalized and can leave after taking the medicine. After that, you only need to go to the nuclear medicine clinic for a follow-up examination in the 3rd and 6th month after treatment.

4. The cost of treatment is relatively low.

Disadvantages of Iodine-131 for Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Iodine-131 is a radioactive nuclide with a certain degree of radioactivity, which can radiate certain amounts of radiation to people around you. Therefore, after taking iodine-131, you should be careful to avoid prolonged, close contact with others, especially infants, young children and pregnant women.

Some patients may develop hypothyroidism after iodine-131 treatment and require thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

5. Iodine-131 treatment of hyperthyroidism has no effect on growth, development, fertility, or offspring

Iodine-131 has been used to treat hyperthyroidism for more than half a century. According to a large number of population statistics, no effects on fertility, growth and development, or offspring have been found, and it does not increase the risk of cancer.

In addition, hyperthyroidism itself can lead to infertility or infertility. After treatment with iodine 131-, thyroid function returns to normal and fertility can be restored.