chemo and low thyroid

[helenl89]

Does anyone know if chemo can effect the thyroid gland? my mom and dad both have this problem, so i know it may be inherited. Is it possible for this to happen at my age, just turned 50. will be seeing dr on 19th and going to insist on test for this.

[jane65]

Hi Helen,
I have hypothyroid disease and have taken Synthroid since I was a teenager.
Neither my Internist, nor my oncologist ever mentioned chemo affecting the thyroid gland.

I'm glad you're having your thyroid tested, I believe it's inherited as my Mom and Grandpa had low thyroid function.

Keep us posted,
Jane

[jr1971]

My wife takes thyroxine as she had a total thyroydectomy 8 years ago. When her medical history was taken prior to Chemo she told them about the fact that she takes thyroxine due to having no Thyroid but they didn't seem at all concerned. I am not sure how it might affect normal thyroid function but they seemed to not be concerned about the affect of Chemo.

I am not sure what your parents suffer from or how it relates to Chemo but I am sure that a competent oncologist will be able to answer questions and do a Thyroid function test.

jr1971