Radioactive Iodine-131 therapy is one of the modalities of hyperthyroidism treatment. This kind of therapy has been practiced for about 50 years and have been noted to be effective, safe, and relatively economical.
Beta radiation of Iodine-131 causes the ablation of thyroid follicle cells, thus stopping excessive production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid ablation shows its effect progressively and can be clinically observed after 8 to 12 weeks.12 The effect can be accelerated or slowed down by administering higher or lower doses. A precaution regarding predicted side effects of radiation, such as possible carcinogenesis, leukemogenesis, and impacts on genes and fertility have not been proven.
