Question: I had my thyroid irradiated as treatment for Graves disease, and I’ve felt bad ever since. I’ve begun taking 12.5 mg of iodine, with B12 and selenium. Will this have any effect if my thyroid was irradiated?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The condition is sometimes treated with radioactive iodine, which destroys the gland’s ability to create thyroid hormone.
However, even after the destruction of the thyroid gland, your body still needs iodine. The breasts, ovaries, uterus, salivary glands, and other tissue all require and utilize iodine to function optimally. In fact, the skin contains 20 percent of the body’s iodine.
After the thyroid gland has been irradiated, supplementing with nutrients can help the body utilize thyroid hormone better. Radioactive iodine treatment not only kills cells in the thyroid but also kills cells in other tissues such as those listed above.
I have seen patients who have undergone radioactive iodine treatments who have similar complaints as you have. A holistic approach that emphasizes eating a good diet and correcting nutrient and hormonal imbalances has helped many of these patients. I suggest finding a good holistic doctor in your area to work with.
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