Hypothyroidism and the Radioactive Pill

GibsonGal

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2014

Posts : 31

Posted 9/29/2014 11:43 AM (GMT 0)

this may sound stupid , but to me it makes sense ,,, you have hyperthyroid , and one course of action is the radioactive pill , it makes sense , now to me it makes just as much sense to do it also for hypothyroid , instead of always chasing this thing , as it seems to me hypothyroid is for ever under attack ,, so why not just kill it off too and be done with it ,,, that I could deal with a lot easier ,,, any thoughts people

jujub

Elite Member

Joined : Mar 2003

Posts : 10424

Posted 9/29/2014 4:28 PM (GMT 0)

I think maybe it's covered by the physician's credo "first, do no harm." Treating your thyroid with radioactive iodine essentially destroys the gland, making you completely dependent upon maximum doses of replacement hormone for the rest of your life.

Needing replacement for a portion of your t4 is safer than complete replacement. If you are somehow cut off from your supply of medication you might not feel well; if you lose all of it, you will eventually die. Also, allowing the thyroid to continue functioning means it can release additional hormones as needed for stress situations such as surgery, etc.

Hope this helps

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