[snelsen]

#1063457

HI Jen,
Until you hear from people who can speak to this subject with much more knowledge and experience than i have had, (which is zero, for I elected to have a thyroidectomy, I encourage you to use the search engine, put in ‘RAI and pregnancy." I recall extensive discussions on this topic.
YOu are certainly well informed, and thinking clearly. I think there is no reason to worry about radiation impacting your ovaries. As you have probably learned, there is a short time after the RAI when precautions need to be taken, but it is a short time. After that, it is a non-issue.
I am guessing you will hear from others, plus the facilitators, that it is pretty darn important to get the right dose of thyroid hormone, so you are not hyper or hypo when you get pregnant.
Welcome to this board, it is absolutely wonderful.
Shirley

[SwanLake]

#1018237

Hello!

My question is about the time period which should elapse between RAI (13 mCi) and pregancy. I just turned 40, had been trying to conceive for over a year before we realized that my "flipping" from hypothyroid (low dose of .025 mcg) to hyperthyroid was likely preventing ovulation. I tried methimazole and was hopsitalized for 5 days as a result of a severe allergic reaction. Presented with RAI v. thyroidectomy, I elected RAI.

Now, we want to conceive again – and as soon as it is "safe" – for me and baby, balancing against my ever-ticking biological clock! ” title=”Smile” />

Thyroid problems run in the family – my grandfather dies of thyroid cancer and both brothers and mother are hypothyroid. I was the only one who "flipped" to hyper & then had elevated TPOab and determined GD.

Curious as well as to any insight into the reasons for the time period (I have heard 6-12 months, but always think this RAI is lumped together with the higher doses for treating thyroid cancer, so it is hard for me to really understand what applies to ME) – is it 1) get the radiation out of system; 2) get rid of the ovaries that have been "attacked" by the radiation; 3) just get healthier again post-GD; 4) get thyroid levels "right"….

Any insight or assistance is appreciated!

Jen

[Kimberly]

#1063458

Hello – I have not had RAI, but the 6-12 month guideline appears to be the standard recommendation for both cancer and Graves’ treatment…at least in terms of reducing the risk that the RAI will affect the fetus.

However, in terms of stabilizing thyroid levels, every patient is different. Some patients might find their “sweet spot” dosage of replacement hormone in 3 months…others could take longer than a year. And it’s definitely important to stabilize your levels prior to conception, as being hyper *or* hypo while pregnant can impact the fetus.

[Ellen_B]

#1063459

Hi Jen,
Studies looking for adverse effects on the offspring of treated patients do not show adverse effects. The reason no problems are picked up is the amount of possible risk (very small) is less than the spontaneous rate of genetic abnormalities that do occur normally. The studies I am talking about were done prior to 1997. Perhaps later studies have shown something different.

The amount of time that should pass after RAI treatment before conception used to be a year now it has been shortened to six months. Actually there is no logical basis for any recommendation because all the eggs are formed and present and will be equally exposed at the time of treatment. Once a month one or two of the dormant eggs are simply chosen to mature and transported into the uterus. All would agree that women should avoid conception during the menstrual cycle occurring at the time of radioiodine treatment.

There is something you can do to minimize the exposure of the radioiodine to the ovaries since most of the exposure to the ovaries is through the urine. Drink plenty of fluids and maintain an empty bladder for first few days after treatment

It is important to remember the other two very important reasons (which you yourself have already mentioned) for waiting to become pregnant. They are being able to get more healthy again and to get your thyroid hormonal levels back to where they belong.
Ellen Brightly
Administrative Assistant
Graves’ Disease Foundation
Toll-free – (877) 643-3123
400 International Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
Email: Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com
Website: http://www.NGDF.org <http://www.ngdf.org/

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