HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Is anyone discontinuing meds for hypothyroidism?

Barbara2 · 03-09-2008, 05:21 PM

I'd like to revisit the thyroid/iodine concerns for a moment.

Some recent thoughts by TSund:

"Iodine, Why you Need it" by Dr. David Brownstein
Lani, it also addresses your comments above pretty specifically. pp 81-82 "Why would the TREATMENT of hypothyroidism result in an increased risk of breast cancer? Makes some sense of it....if a hypothyroid condition is treated with thyroid hormone and there is also iodine deficiency present, the use of thyroid hormone will exacerbate an iodine-deficient condition. ...When there is iodine deificiency, it can induce hyperplasia , precancerous lesions, which can set the stage for thyroid and breast diseases, including cancer of the thyroid and the breasts.

So I'm wondering, has anyone stopped your thyroid meds for hypothyroidism? I filled a perscription for synthroid, but haven't started it yet...I'm thinking it may not be worth the risk...if cancer returns I would wonder; was it the synthroid? I thought it might help with weight loss...

Also, what were your TSH numbers when you started the meds? Mine is 4.3; borderline treatment.

03-09-2008, 05:21 PM	#1
Barbara2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Dakota. Posts: 621	Is anyone discontinuing meds for hypothyroidism? I'd like to revisit the thyroid/iodine concerns for a moment. Some recent thoughts by TSund: "Iodine, Why you Need it" by Dr. David Brownstein Lani, it also addresses your comments above pretty specifically. pp 81-82 "Why would the TREATMENT of hypothyroidism result in an increased risk of breast cancer? Makes some sense of it....if a hypothyroid condition is treated with thyroid hormone and there is also iodine deficiency present, the use of thyroid hormone will exacerbate an iodine-deficient condition. ...When there is iodine deificiency, it can induce hyperplasia , precancerous lesions, which can set the stage for thyroid and breast diseases, including cancer of the thyroid and the breasts. So I'm wondering, has anyone stopped your thyroid meds for hypothyroidism? I filled a perscription for synthroid, but haven't started it yet...I'm thinking it may not be worth the risk...if cancer returns I would wonder; was it the synthroid? I thought it might help with weight loss... Also, what were your TSH numbers when you started the meds? Mine is 4.3; borderline treatment. __________________ Blessings and Peace, Barbara DX Oct 02 @ age 52 Stage 2B Grade 3 Mastectomy "at least" 4.5 cm IDC 1+node ER+61% /PR- Assiciated Intraductual component with Comedo Necrosis Her2+ FISH8.6 IHC 2+ 5 1/2 CEF Arimidex Celebrex 400mg daily for 13 months Prophylactic mastectomy Estradiol #: 13 PTEN positive, "late" Herceptin (26 months after chemo) Oct 05: Actonel for osteopenia from Arimidex. May 08: Replaced Actonel with Zometa . Taking every 6 months. Accepting the gift of life, I give thanks for it and live it in fullness.