Post Thyroidectomy Acne

[BrandyTX]

I had a total thyroidectomy in April 2008 and iodine radiation treatment in May, then started on 175mcg's of Synthroid.  In August I started experiencing severe cystic acne.  A dermatologist put me on an antibiotic and a topical cream. The cysts on my face are gone which left bad scars but now I have severe bumps, like a red rash all over my face.  I have never had acne and I know this must be hormonal. They told me a few weeks ago the cancer is still there and my hormone levels are 20 times higher than normal.  The dermatologist wants to put me on Accutane but if this is just hormonal then I am just wondering how I can fix this problem with out that.  My endocrinologist just tells me to worry about the cancer and not my face but it is extremely embarrasing and going from flawless skin to this has been the worse battle for me so far.  

[qcarey]

Its almost as if your story is mine. What meds are you currently on? After doing my researched most synthetic thyroid meds only boost T4 levels and neglect T3. After switching from synthroid to a natural thyroid made from dissected thyroid tissue ie Naturethroid I can saw my acne is 90% better after having a back totally covered with painful cystic nodules not to mention this medication is more affordale.

[Angelamorales]

I meant clinique products

[Angelamorales]

I have had a full thyroidectomy as well due to a cancerous nodule and had the whole radioactive iodine treatment as well, I found out I had it when I was 17 and had the two treatments once a year, this year my doctor gave my body a break from it, but I've notice that since I've been on synthroid my skin has broken out and scarred horribly since then! I've tried proactive, clinkers products, I'm trying murad right now and it's somewhat helping but it's still really bad, I'm seeing my doctor on two days and I'm soooo hoping he will change my medication to something else or at least proscribe me some kind of antibiotic. My skin before this was pretty clear, I was getting out of that teenage acne phase and then to go from that to really horrible skin, I completely understand how you feel Brandy. I know that worrying about the cancer is far more important, but this is very embarrassing, sometimes it can be pretty painful, it brings my self esteem way down when I see everyone with nice skin, especially my three sisters. It's just not a way to live.

[sistajr]

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!!!! I am trying everything from pills, diet restrictions and additions and I have no success! I don't know what else to try... HELP!

[stella5349]

It sounds like you're testosterone is high. That can happen when you have no thyroid function and depend on medication.

I do agree with your doctor about worrying more on suppressing your TSH and raising your free T3 ( he didn't say anything about free T3 right??)

but - you could be showing signs of a estrodiol- progestrone - and testosterone level that - getting in check - could help you.

[kayzee24]

We have the same problem... It really frustrates me. When I had hyperthyroidism Graves disease, I don't have acne on my face. I think I'm starting to regret having my thyroid surgically removed.

I hope someone can help us....