Thyroid issues

Printed From: TNBC Foundation
Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: TNBC Talk
Forum Description: A place to chat
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=9843
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 8:23pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Thyroid issues

Posted By: briestarr
Subject: Thyroid issues
Date Posted: Apr 11 2012 at 1:13pm

For the last year (two years after the last radiation treatment) I have been steadily gaining weight! I have gained nearly 65 pounds in the last year and a half! Everyone thought I was over eating... or the steroids got to me, or I swallowed an elephant! I went to the dr and she did a complete work up on my blood. come to find out my Thyroid was through the roof! Now, I am on Thyroid medication to speed up my metabolism. I went on a low calorie diet and started moving more!! It is really hard to move when I weighed so much!! I got up to 265 pds! The dr asked if I have had joint pain... well, duh! Actually is one of the side effects of slow thyroid. Along with hair loss and weight gain! All these months.... and it is my thyroid! Anyone else have this issue after chemo??

-------------
DX TNBC Feb 2010
age 48
Lumpectomy 2cm
6 nodes removed, all clear
Chemo A/C and Taxol 8 sessions
Radiation 33x
BRCA 1 and 2 negative

Replies:

Posted By: nmunoz
Date Posted: Apr 11 2012 at 1:21pm

After my period returned post-chemo, about two years ago, it has been very irregular and that prompted my onco to order thyroid tests. They turned out to be fine, but he did mention that chemo may affect the thyroid and that is why he wanted to check mine.
Best,

Natalia

-------------
Natalia, 38 years

Dx TNBC 10/22/08, BRCA1+

Double Mx 11/20/08 with Recon.

3/37 nodes

Rads 7 weeks done 8/09

ACx4 every 2 weeks and Tx12 weeks. Avastin e/3 weeksx10 (Clinical Trial) Done Dec/09

Posted By: denise07
Date Posted: Apr 11 2012 at 2:59pm

Hi,

I had thyroid issues after my treatments gained alot of weight and was not eating that much, never had thyroid problems before,now I am on thyroid medication it took about six months and the weight started to drop now I am near my normal weight. I think the treatments wack out the thyroid.

-------------
DX Idc 10/07,st2,gr3,2/6 lymphnodes

Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Apr 11 2012 at 5:34pm

Dear Briestarr,

So good to hear from you again. I am glad you found the problem was with the thyroid. I don't have thyroid problems, but I know several who do.

Good luck with your weight loss program. You'll be back to normal before you know it.

God Bless,

Lillie

-------------
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA-
6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+
6/06 Axl. 9 nodes-
8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4
No Rads.
No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED

Posted By: kirby
Date Posted: Apr 12 2012 at 12:52am

My thyroid issues were discovered by simple blood tests when I kept complaining about being tired after tx. They have had to up the dosage several times. Unfortunately weight doesn't miraculously fall off with that little pill ! I've heard that it could be radiation that can interfere with thyroid function.

-------------
kirby

dx Feb. 2001. Age 44
Lumpectomy

2cm. no nodes stage 1 grade 3

4 rnds AC, 35 rads

Posted By: CiGi
Date Posted: May 07 2012 at 12:04pm

Hello Briestarr - I am also having issues with my thyroid. I go for bloodwork every 3-4 months for my triglycerides and about 6 months ago one of the thyroid numbers was off the chart. Now I am on thyroid medicine too. I was also gaining weight, not fast, but no matter what I eat or exercise it was still going up. My weight has not come down yet, but it hasn't gone up either. I finished chemo 9/27/10 and rads 1/7/11.

Sorry for such a late post - haven't been on recently. Been horribly busy with work.

-------------
Age 40, 4/28/10 lumpectomy (3 cm) TNBC Grade 3 Stage 2 0/3 nodes, TAC 6x 3 week cycles start 6/15 finish 9/27, 33 rounds rads 11/22. BRCA1 & 2 neg. Lymphedema rt hand 8/14. Joint pain Dec 2010.

Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: May 07 2012 at 2:53pm

So glad to see this here. I've always had a low thyroid and am probably a worry wort but I've noticed the weight gain and slowing down of the energy. I'm on a low dose of thyroid and had pt pretty much forgotten about my thyroid but now I think I'll add it to my blood work tests the end of the month.

Did anyone else notice after chemo and radiation that other things were off kilter? My cholesterol doubled by the time I was done with chemo...and it takes forever to get these things back into the normal range.

-------------
dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor

3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear

Posted By: briestarr
Date Posted: May 07 2012 at 3:36pm

-------------
DX TNBC Feb 2010
age 48
Lumpectomy 2cm
6 nodes removed, all clear
Chemo A/C and Taxol 8 sessions
Radiation 33x
BRCA 1 and 2 negative

Posted By: kirby
Date Posted: May 07 2012 at 9:05pm

Yes, Mainy, after tx my thyroid was off and cholesterol up. I had always had very low cholesterol. I never knew was it chemo or the result of chemo-pause or just aging or combo of all.

-------------
kirby

dx Feb. 2001. Age 44
Lumpectomy

2cm. no nodes stage 1 grade 3

4 rnds AC, 35 rads

Posted By: CiGi
Date Posted: May 13 2012 at 10:27pm

I think it is a combo of everything. Our bodies have been poisoned and beaten down with meds that it has to affect our organs from working properly and effeciently. Just hoping that it'll be temporary and when everything repairs itself back to our new normal that the longterm affects will be slim to none.

-------------
Age 40, 4/28/10 lumpectomy (3 cm) TNBC Grade 3 Stage 2 0/3 nodes, TAC 6x 3 week cycles start 6/15 finish 9/27, 33 rounds rads 11/22. BRCA1 & 2 neg. Lymphedema rt hand 8/14. Joint pain Dec 2010.

Posted By: briestarr
Date Posted: May 13 2012 at 11:35pm

This is my Facebook page! I want to start a TRIPLE NEGATIVE group. If you are interested, FB me! My THYROID medication is kicking in! I have now lost about 20 pounds! I feel so much better, and excersising everyday helps too! I walked a 5k today to support women in our community that have breast cancer. It was fun, and my first one ever!! Check it out! Moms on the Run, Reno. When I was in treatments, they paid my car payments, rent and utilities...I am very lucky that they did all those things for me, and women here in Northern Nevada. Anyone else dealing with THYROID ISSUES, I am taking notes and taking them to my dr. Seems they left this chapter out of my info on Cancer side effects.... Happy Mother's Day Ladies!!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/BrieStarr - https://www.facebook.com/#!/BrieStarr

-------------
DX TNBC Feb 2010
age 48
Lumpectomy 2cm
6 nodes removed, all clear
Chemo A/C and Taxol 8 sessions
Radiation 33x
BRCA 1 and 2 negative

Posted By: Lorene
Date Posted: May 23 2012 at 9:56pm

I didn't know this happened to so many of us. After I had finished chemo and radiation, my low thyroid and high cholesterol werefound. I'm still on thyroid med but have been able to take Lipitor every other day, so it's 5 mg of Lipitor/day.

Lorene

-------------
dx10/01@age59,IDC TNBC, St.IIB,Gr3,2.5cm,3+nodes, epirubicin,5FU,cytoxan,33Rads,No recurrence, 2018

Posted By: TNinTN
Date Posted: Jul 09 2012 at 7:23pm

I just spoke with our PCP and he said that Susan's TSH level was high. He tested her for Hashimotos disease, but she was negative. He wants to start her on 25mcg of Synthroid to combat her continued fatigue and help return her TSH levels to normal. I'm planning to run this by her oncologist. Just thought I would pass this on to everyone. I wonder if it was caused by the chemo?

Martin

-------------
Wife age 53@dx TN IDC Stage IIA 7/10; BRCA1&2 Neg; BROCA Neg; LN Neg; taxol+cisplatin+/-RAD001x12(clinical trial); lumpectomy 12/10;ACx4; 33 Rads complete 4/11; NED 5/5/11

Posted By: Lorene
Date Posted: Jul 09 2012 at 9:46pm

Martin,

My TSH was high after I finished my chemo, as well as my cholesterol. I was started on Synthroid and a Statin. I've always assumed it was caused by the chemo.

Lorene

-------------
dx10/01@age59,IDC TNBC, St.IIB,Gr3,2.5cm,3+nodes, epirubicin,5FU,cytoxan,33Rads,No recurrence, 2018

Posted By: Grateful for today
Date Posted: Jul 17 2012 at 2:36am

Martin,

It's been a few days since you posted. So, the thyroid med situation may already be resolved.
If, it hasn't............ had a few thoughts.
You might want to ask the PCP:
Were the other thyroid lab tests "classic" for hypothyroidism ?
If only the TSH was high, you may want to consider an endocrinologist consult.
In other words, was Susan's clinical picture/labs textbook presentation for hypothyroidism?
Sounds like the PCP was thorough with the testing for Hashimoto's disease
Some might go with an endocrine consult regardless of the labs were.
Some might go with the evaluation and plan by the PCP regardless of the labs.
What good thinking to run the situation by Susan's oncologist.

Hoping Susan's fatigue lessens/resolves soon.

With caring and positive thoughts to you and Susan,
Grateful for today............Judy

Posted By: mindy555
Date Posted: Jul 17 2012 at 3:45am

Brie- So good they discovered your thyroid issue and you're now doing better! Congrats on the weight loss and adding in exercise. Some days with low energy it's tough to get motivated. Then I remind myself revving the heart rate plus the extra oxygen helps boost energy big-time. Even more heartening is some evidence it can possibly help in preventing recurrences too.

To say chemo and radiation wreaks havoc on our bodies is most likely an understatement. Staying active.. getting enough rest (ha- here I am up at 2:30am my time) and eating well is all key. Plus, like you, having the appropriate tests to uncover underlying problems that developed due to the trauma our bodies have endured is utmost. That way we can at least try to get back within a normal range when the numbers are off the chart. It's difficult to address these issues unless you know what they are. I believe keeping the mind positive and body strong is empowering and can only help us eventually bounce back.

Again, kudos for addressing the thyroid issue w/your doctor.. AND for all the progress YOU made happen.

On the 23rd I see my onc. I'll be interested to know what maladies I've developed. *ugh*

-------------
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012

Posted By: TNinTN
Date Posted: Jul 17 2012 at 2:44pm

Thanks everyone. Judy, I spoke with our PCP again yesterday and he said that his lab classified it as mild hypothyroidism and that treatment was optional at this point. He had suggested a low dose of Synthroid to see if it might help Susan's fatigue and memory loss problems. We're waiting to hear back from her oncologist. I'm afraid that the memory loss problems are the result of chemo brain, but I know from my own experience that the thyroid can also be to blame. Perhaps it's a combination of the two. Sometimes the memory problems frighten me. I went by her work one day when she wasn't expecting me and waved at her and called to her from my car and she didn't recognize me at first. This morning we left to go pick blueberries and she forgot her shoes. She often has trouble calling up words and yesterday couldn't remember which chemos she had (maybe that's a good thing). It's not every day, just occassionally, but sometimes it scares me and it always frustrates her tremendously. I will keep you posted as to any new developments and thanks for all the great suggestions.

Martin

-------------
Wife age 53@dx TN IDC Stage IIA 7/10; BRCA1&2 Neg; BROCA Neg; LN Neg; taxol+cisplatin+/-RAD001x12(clinical trial); lumpectomy 12/10;ACx4; 33 Rads complete 4/11; NED 5/5/11

Posted By: CiGi
Date Posted: Jul 18 2012 at 10:45am

My doctor has me on very low does of Synthroid as well. It seems to be working, my thyroid levels have dropped to normal in 3 months. My triglycerides are still high (600+), but they were higher so maybe with my thyroid working better, maybe that'll help with the triglycerides. The funny thing is that my cholesterol is somewhat normal (LDL under 90, total about 200 or less). I am supposed to take Lovasa and it turns my stomach horribly. I force myself to take it, but I never do it regularly. I even refrigerated it and it helped a little, but the fishy 'vurps' are gross. I'm supposed to take 4 (1 gram) a day. I'm lucky to get one down and I've never had any issues taking any meds.

Briestarr - keep up the motivation and weight loss!! Glad to hear your achievement :)

Posted By: KatieMarie
Date Posted: Jul 23 2012 at 6:44pm

There is a lot of interesting information at the website Stop the Thyroid Madness.

They are not into the Synthroid over there, more into the dessicated thyroid porducts like Armour or Naturethroid.

I went on thyroid meds before I got TN. My doc also put me on iodine but I didn't take it because it gave me acne.

I have resolved those issues with companion nutrients and am now back on iodine with the thyroid meds.

There is one doc that thinks people that go on thyroid med without proper iodine supplementation (not just salt) get cancer. And here I am. I was on thyroid meds without iodine and I got cancer. I can't say this is why I got it, since plenty of other ladies go on thryoid meds and don't get cancer. But it will always make me wonder.

I keep an eye on the iodine yahoo group, the moderator got rid of her thyroid cancer by iodine supplementation. At Breastcancerchoices.org they are into painting the breast with lquid iodine called lugol's. I don't think TN ladies could do that, with it so aggressive.

The premise of our population being iodine deficient is the competition of iodine with other halides...flouride, chlorine and bromide. Those other one take spots on our cell moelcules that iodine is supposed to use.

http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/iodine.html - http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/iodine.html

I am all for thyroid supplementation but it might be worth it to look at the some of the other aspects, most docs do not cover these issues as they receive very little nutrition education in school.

Just my two cents! Thanks ladies!

Katie

-------------
IDC dx 4/24/09, Age 40
Two surgeries, three tumors: 1.4cm,4mm,2mm; Ki67=75
Stage 1, no node involvement, clean margins
BRCA 1/2 negative,
Chemo: AC dose dense then Taxol dose dense, then rads

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Aug 29 2012 at 7:25pm

Ladies,

If you've had radiation, especially to the clavicle (neck) area, get your thyroid levels check periodically. I had 40 rads last year, including the clavicle and super clavicle areas. Right after radiation, my levels were normal. In April, my thyroid level was just a little above the normal range. Yesterday, I had another blood test and now it's hypothyroidism. It took a little over a year following radiation for the thyroid problems to present itself. I knew this was a high probability with the radiated areas. My cholesterol and triglycerides are still normal. So my primary doc has put me on thyroid medicine. Funny thing is when I read the symptoms of this, it mimics many of our complaints following chemo and radiation. I gained about 8 - 10 pounds with chemo and have been struggling to get those pounds off. I'm tired most of the time and have achy joints.

Donna

-------------
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15

Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: Aug 29 2012 at 9:18pm

Donna, you're exactly right and I think most of us are not trained to understand how long some of these things like thyroid take to show up on the results end of the tests. I feel like my body is wandering in the mists looking for its way home!

-------------
dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor

3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear

Posted By: TNinTN
Date Posted: Aug 29 2012 at 9:49pm

Susan's hypothyroidism showed up a little over a year after she finished her radiation. She has been taking 25mcg/day of Synthroid for about a month now. Her memory and energy seem to have improved some since she started on the Synthroid. She goes back to get her levels checked again in December.

-------------
Wife age 53@dx TN IDC Stage IIA 7/10; BRCA1&2 Neg; BROCA Neg; LN Neg; taxol+cisplatin+/-RAD001x12(clinical trial); lumpectomy 12/10;ACx4; 33 Rads complete 4/11; NED 5/5/11

Posted By: debB
Date Posted: Aug 30 2012 at 3:00pm

Donna,

Thanks for the info. I had the onc check mine last month since I have gained about 7-8 pounds since May for no reason. The T3 is borderline, just as it has been for several years. I have been verrrry tired the last two weeks and of course, the achy joints have not yet gone away from tx. I will make a mental note(ha!) to get it checked at intervals since I too have struggled with the thyroid thing and had the clavicular area zapped.

Deb

-------------
Dx 4/29/11, 46 yrs old, 3.9 cm tumor, Stg 2 Grade 3 chemo 4 rounds DD AC, 12 weekly taxol, finish. Lumpectomy, 2mm residual tumor. 37 rounds rads completed. Cisplatin/PARP trial

Posted By: Grateful for today
Date Posted: Aug 30 2012 at 9:16pm

Posting this as a FYI and to discuss with your physician if appropriate.
NOTE: This info does not relate to all antineoplastic agents per abstract.
           This info pertains to SOME newer classes of agents.

Thyroid Dysfunction from Antineoplastic Agents    (2011)
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/103/21/1572 - http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/103/21/1572    Full abstract)
Unlike cytotoxic agents that indiscriminately affect rapidly dividing cells, newer antineoplastic agents such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies are associated with thyroid dysfunction. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bexarotene, radioiodine-based cancer therapies, denileukin diftitox, alemtuzumab, interferon-α, interleukin-2, ipilimumab, tremelimumab, thalidomide, and lenalidomide.
NOTE: This does not relate to all antineoplastic agents per abstract.

Sunitinib Induces Hypothyroidism in Advanced Cancer Patients and May Inhibit Thyroid Peroxidase Activity
      (2007)
http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2006.0308?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed - http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2006.0308?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed
Objective: Sunitinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. An observed higher than expected rate of hypothyroidism in sunitinib-treated patients prompted assessment of the incidence of hypothyroidism. Design: Patients taking sunitinib had their thyroid function tests (TFTs) assessed via chart review. To explore potential effects on the thyroid, we examined the antiperoxidase activity of sunitinib by in vitro testing its effect on guaiacol oxidation and protein iodination by lactoperoxidase. Main outcome: Of the 89 patients who took sunitinib, 49 patients were excluded from analysis for several reasons. Of the remaining 40 patients, 21 (53%, 24% of the original 89) developed elevated thyrotropin (TSH) after a median of 5 months (range 1–36 months). Median TSH was 21.4 mU/L (range 4.6–174 mU/L). In vitro, sunitinib had antiperoxidase activity that was about one-fourth the potency of propylthiouracil. Conclusions: Of the 40 patients who had TFTs assessed after starting sunitinib, 53% developed elevated TSH. We recommend that all patients treated with sunitinib be monitored for hypothyroidism. The mechanism of the antithyroid effect appears to be inhibition of peroxidase activity. Further research is needed to confirm the mechanism by which sunitinib induces hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism related to tyrosine kinase inhibitors: an emerging toxic effect of targeted therapy. (2009)
http://www.nature.com/nrclinonc/journal/v6/n4/full/nrclinonc.2009.4.html - http://www.nature.com/nrclinonc/journal/v6/n4/full/nrclinonc.2009.4.html

Grateful for today...........Judy

Posted By: miss302
Date Posted: Aug 30 2012 at 10:05pm

I have thyroid issues now, mine are due to the radiation i had which the Mayo Clinic verified that yes radiation can affect the thyroid as it is very sensitive. I know for a fact it is the radiation as thyroid issues do not run in my family. I am not as fatigued as i was before they put me on thyroid medication but i still have some. I still continue to deal with weight issues after rads and chemo but i have been on different medications to try and control my neuropathy in my feet which have affected my appetite. Plus with my feet hurting so much it is difficult to want to go for a walk as having my feet on the ground makes them feel like they are on fire. So i am in a vicious cycle due to surviving cancer. But happy to be alive, no doubt.

-------------
Dx 04/07 @ 27
Stage 3B Grade 3 TN 5.6cm node+

4 DD AC chemo

Mod Radical Mastectomy

2 Taxol

6 Taxotere

31 days rads w. burns

S-GAP bilat recon 02/08

2 children after cancer

Posted By: *Nancy
Date Posted: Sep 01 2012 at 12:16pm

I had already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and high cholesterol before my cancer diagnosis. I had been taking levothyroxine and a -statin already. I am now almost 2 years post-treatment. I am still taking both medications, but the doses of each have had to be lowered.

-------------
Dx March 2010, age 54, 5 mm tumor, Stage Ia, Grade 3, 0/3 Nodes, Ki-67 70%,

Lumpectomy April 2010, TC x 4, Rads x 33, Treatment completed Sept 2010, NED 06/17

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Sep 06 2012 at 6:22pm

I've been taking Synthroid for a little over a week now and can honestly say I feel a big improvement. I just seem to have so much more energy and feel better. I try to describe it this way - I felt like I was carrying around a 50 pound backpack all day, was fatigued and just didn't have the same energy levels as I did pre-cancer. I'm sure the radiation damaged or destroyed my thyroid so I'll probably be on some type of medication for now on. They'll recheck my levels in October.

Donna

Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Sep 06 2012 at 7:56pm

Dear Donna,

I am glad to hear that Synthroid is really making a difference in your energy level. Just goes to show how when something isn't working correctly (thyroid) it needs fixing.

My husband had a similar experience last year. He went from dragging around to walking....

God Bless,

Lillie

Posted By: nancykind
Date Posted: Sep 10 2012 at 6:22pm

i started having issues with my thyroid about 6 weeks into AC/T chemo - swollen, trouble swallowing. my onco kept saying he didn't feel anything. i never used the word thyroid and they never suggested that was it. i kept saying 'it's like swollen glands, only lower'.

it got a little better after chemo until about 3 or 4 weeks ago when it suddenly i could barely swallow and i could feel it in my airway when lying down. they have recently found a 3cm nodule on the left side so the day after tomorrow i'm having surgery to remove that side of my thyroid. they run quick pathology right on the spot in case they have to remove the whole thing, then also send it out for additional testing.

i see my onco tomorrow to wrap up my treatment - which ended today!!!!!!! - and i'm going to flat out ask him if chemo affects the thyroid. i will forever believe that it does not only due to my experience but also due to at least four other ladies' experiences.

i have no energy right now either, but i just finished radiation so i'll be interested to see what my levels are tomorrow too.

i'm glad synthroid is working well for so many

-------------
Lg lump never visible on any films but found 9mm. Lump 1/25/12, DX 1/31@50yrs IIIC/TN/DCIS/INV, Margins Unclr, Ki67 40%,Gr2. MX L 2/24. 3.1cm total. 11/17nodes. AC/T 2xWk,33rads. 12/12 MX R. 9/13 NED!

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Sep 16 2012 at 11:58am

There's a wonderful website with so much useful information about thyroid disease. They even offer a newsletter for those that are interested.

http://thyroid.about.com/ - http://thyroid.about.com/

http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/Hypothyroidism_Underactive_Thyroid_Hashimotos_Disease.htm - http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/Hypothyroidism_Underactive_Thyroid_Hashimotos_Disease.htm

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Sep 18 2012 at 8:56am

You'll need to read the entire article to understand all the issues and problems with the new guidelines. Here's the conclusion:

"Considering that the task force spent more than a year working on these new Guidelines, they seemingly offer very little new guidance. They also fail to reflect the very real changes going on across the United States and in other countries, as practitioners seek to not just simply offer thyroid hormone replacement to achieve a normal-range TSH, but rather, to optimize hypothyroidism treatment to help patients resolve lingering symptoms, and safely improve quality of life and overall health. Sadly, the tyranny of the TSH continues to reign, while the welfare and quality of thyroid patients takes a back seat."

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/2012-Hypothyroidism-Guidelines-Cause-Controversy.htm?nl=1 - http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/2012-Hypothyroidism-Guidelines-Cause-Controversy.htm?nl=1

2012 Hypothyroidism Guidelines Published

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/2012-Hypothyroidism-Guidelines-Published.htm?nl=1 - http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/2012-Hypothyroidism-Guidelines-Published.htm?nl=1

Controversial Recommendations

Some of these recommendations are controversial, based on other Guidelines and research findings, and are in http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/tp/Top-Doctors-Share-Best-Ways-Treat-Underactive-Thyroid-Hypothyroidism.htm - direct contradiction to the practices of many integrative practitioners . The controversies in these 2012 Guidelines are explored in the article http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/2012-Hypothyroidism-Guidelines-Cause-Controversy.htm - 2012 Hypothyroidism Guidelines Are Controversial for Some Patients and Practitioners .

Posted By: nancykind
Date Posted: Sep 19 2012 at 8:00am

to update, my left thyroid was removed last week and all pathology at all stages was benign. the best answer i received to my direct chemo/thyroid question was from my onco and it was "i'll never tell you that a drug couldn't affect something".

at my suggestion, they did run the thyroid levels so we have those numbers on file now. from reading a few more responses, and assuming a relationship between chemo and thyroid, it seems that it may be a year before some changes show up, so i'm glad i had that done.

Posted By: TNinTN
Date Posted: Sep 19 2012 at 9:18am

I've noticed that Susan seems to be feeling better since the Synthroid has kicked in - she's been on it for about six weeks. Last night I asked her how she's feeling and if she thought the Synthroid was helping and she said she is feeling much better, has more energy, and her memory issues aren't as bad as before (although she does have her chemo-brain moments occasionally). I can't tell you how happy this makes me.

Martin

-------------
Wife age 53@dx TN IDC Stage IIA 7/10; BRCA1&2 Neg; BROCA Neg; LN Neg; taxol+cisplatin+/-RAD001x12(clinical trial); lumpectomy 12/10;ACx4; 33 Rads complete 4/11; NED 5/5/11

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Dec 04 2012 at 8:37am

I've been on Synthroid for over 3 months now and can tell you I feel so much better. If you are finished with treatment and still feeling sluggish and tired, please have your thyroid levels checked. My levels were fine after treatment, but a year later, I had hypothyroidism.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/a/new-thyroid-patients-advice.htm?nl=1 - http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/a/new-thyroid-patients-advice.htm?nl=1

Posted By: tasoulla
Date Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 12:55am

My mum the last 1 year have normal PTH,TSH but high Anti-Thyroglobulin .She visited last year an endocrinologist who prescribed her Selenium supplement because he believes is a Hashimotos disease.
Yesterday had her 6 month blood tests and the Anti-Thyroglobulin get higher with getting higher also Anti-TPO (normal but higher than last bloodtest) .The TSH and PTH are normal.
She worries and she thinks that she has to take another opinion.
Last months she started getting weight but she controls it with healthy diet and walking.
Do you have similar diagnosis with treatment? Do you receive any treatment?
Tomorrow is her zometa infusion(3rd) and she feels stress also.We go at the place where she had chemo(same floor) and all the memories of this period are coming....trying to make her feeling better because still try to get over it......

Posted By: crissio
Date Posted: Feb 01 2013 at 5:44pm

Yes- me too. My doctor said my thyoid level is good now (on medication), but I still can't lose weight. I started weight watchers and really watch what I eat, have started regularly exercising, only drink water, but I haven't lost anything!!! I don't know what to do! I eat as naturally as possible, limit processed foods, no pop or alcohol....

Help, please.

-------------
Stage II- 9 year survivor- chemo, radiation, lumpectomy, lymph node biopsy, port insertion and removal

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 19 2013 at 1:39pm

Interesting new book.
http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/a/Optimal-Treatment-Hypothyroidism-Sara-Gottfried.htm" rel="nofollow - http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/a/Optimal-Treatment-Hypothyroidism-Sara-Gottfried.htm

Dr. Sara Gottfried sets two intentions for "optimization" with her patients - first, to feel 80% better or more with the symptoms they're tracking -- i.e., lousy energy, weight gain, irregular cycles, hair loss, low libido, geriatric joints, etc. -- and second, a TSH between 0.3-1.0 and free T3 in the top half of the normal range for the lab.

Says Dr. Gottfried:

Not all my patients can tolerate such an aggressive goal with TSH, but I find that range is the sweet spot for surfing the hormonal upheaval of perimenopause and menopause.

Another key aspect of optimization is that the adrenal function, meaning cortisol and DHEA-S, are in the normal range. So many of my hypothyroid patients also have adrenal dysregulation, and don't feel better on thyroid augmentation unless their adrenals are optimized simultaneously.

http://thyroid.about.com/b/2013/03/18/sara-gottfried-book-hormone-cure-thyroid-adrenals.htm?nl=1" rel="nofollow - http://thyroid.about.com/b/2013/03/18/sara-gottfried-book-hormone-cure-thyroid-adrenals.htm?nl=1

Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Mar 19 2013 at 3:21pm

Hi Donna, Wow, I would like to get this book. I can bet my adrenals are in CRISIS...I would like to know what should be done about it. One thing at a time I guess. As I mentioned before the sluggishness just is not helped much for me by the synthroid even thought the blood tests have my dose in the right place. I would be much worse without I am sure...will have my cortisol checked when I can...Thanks again...Love, Annie

-------------
Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 19 2013 at 8:32pm

Annie,

I bet all of our adrenal glands are a bit stressed out too. The problem I have is most doctors only look at TSH levels and nothing else. How do we go about demanding lower TSH levels, adrenal testing? Do we see specialists or just our primary doctor?

Donna

Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Mar 20 2013 at 9:57am

   Hi Donna, Yes, You are right I bet all of our adrenal glands are stressed.   As far as TSH I am not sure what you mean by demanding lower TSH levels. TSH is the most used blood test in detecting thyroid function. I do know that sometimes especially when one is first being tested for thyroid function there is a T3 and a T4 test which checks for circulating thryroid hormones found in the blood and this is important to have done especially on diagnosis. You most likely had it done. Sometimes this is repeated down the road to make sure the condition has not changed. It is always good to have thryroid function checked minimum once a year. It can fluctuate for different reasons.

               I know I had a thyroid scan once when I was young(where did those days go) because I became hyperthyroid for awhile after being ill. Hyperthyroid symptoms I can say are much much worse however both conditions need to be treated they cannot be left alone. My Mother was hyperthyroid and had practically all her thyroid removed. I have a sister with hypo and two nieces as well.


               As far as who do we go to in order to get the cortisol checked. I am going to ask my family Dr. on the next visit if he will do it.   An endocrinologist(endocrine gland specialist) or an internist investigate these issues as well as thyroid if there is a problem with test results and ususally then the family Dr. would prefer to refer.

               I will let you know next time I am at the Dr's

               Take care, Love, Annie


-------------
Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 20 2013 at 12:15pm

Annie,

My comment was in reference to the article, "TSH between 0.3-1.0 and free T3 in the top half of the normal range for the lab." My last TSH test my level was 2.7, which based on this doctor's recommendation is still too high even though it's considered normal. They've never told my what my T3 level was, just TSH. I'm going to ask my primary when I get tested again to also test the adrenal glands (Cortosol and DHEA tests). If he won't test them or consider a higher synthroid to get my levels lower, I may be seeking a different doctor or specialist. I did have my thyroid and cortisol test done several years ago with my first onc and it was normal at that time. Since then I've become hypothyroid so I wonder if the adrenal glands are messed up too.

Does anyone take an iodine supplement with their thyroid medicine? Does anyone take an adrenal gland supplement?

Donna

-------------
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15

Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Mar 20 2013 at 5:25pm

Donna, I see now what you mean. I can understand your frustration. Is your Dr. the type that is open to a referral. I know they are really cautious with the synthroid because the opposite is not a good scenario either. I hope you get to the bottom of it. I hope my adrenals are functioning, they sure do not feel like they are these days...I would also love to know about an adrenal gland supplement...I am not sure did Mainy say something about that recently, anyone out there ...take care...Love, Annie

-------------
Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012

Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 20 2013 at 5:28pm

Annie,

Mainy knows much about adrenal gland issues and hope she sees this post and can offer some advice on testing and supplements. I know she's posted on this subject in other threads. Mainy, where are you?????

Donna