primary hypothyroidism?

does anyone have any info on chemo induced hpothyroidism? my dr has given me a diagnosis of primary hypothryoidism and i'm not quite sure what that means as far as lifelong thyroid issues or should i be pushing for my diagnostic tests to see exactly whats going on now that i've been off the chemo drugs for over 8 months now. i'm lucky in that my drs seem to listen to my concerns if i ask the correct questions. this whole thyroid thing is so confusing not sure what to make of it all-thanks, hang in there & take care

[Jimlow]

Hi woodbegood, Primary as stated by your Doc, is disease of the thyroid gland itself. Secondary would be causes by other gland-(s) causing the thyroid to low-function, such as the pituitary gland (in brain), not being able to send ample amount of TSH, because it too has a problem, or other endocrine disorders like adrenal insufficiency, have been known to cause secondary thyroid disfunction.
If it was the radiation that dammaged your thyroid and only your Doc can actaully determine this, it would still be primary hypothyroidism because it caused a permanent problem in the gland itself.
Chemical Hypothyroidism, can be caused by medicines, chemicals etc... but many times resolves once that chemical is removed from a person's system.
If he says it's primary, that would be your thyroid and you will need hormone replacement most likely, permanently.
Hope that helped.

[woodbeegood]

thanks for the insight-geesh! it's a wonder how ya figure anything thing out with this thyroid thing-i've been so confused since trying to learn-i don't even know which way to turn-i guess what i'm really wondering is has the interferon (that's the chemo i was on) totally destroyed my thyroid & will it continue to burn out? will it develop into something else? these are probably questions that can't don't have answers-just trying to figure out where i stand.