thyroid problem from interferon?

[Rondi]

The last time I had bloodwork done on my thyroid function, all was fine except T3 uptake was 3 pts. below the normal low range (mine is 21.3 & reference is 24.3 - 39.0).  Is this something I should have checked/should I go to an endocrinologist?  I'm also wondering if the Avonex i'm on could be hurting my thyroid.  This bloodwork was done a yr. after my starting on Avonex.  I'm just curious.  I'm fine with just leaving it alone.  Thank you!

[Rondi]

Hi Shell. Thanks for your response. Happy New Year. It's going to be a great 1 for all of us! My pcp ordered the bloodwork during a physical. I keep postponing my neuro appt. I go in April during my girls' spring break. I'll just keep an eye on the thyroid stuff. Hope all is well with you & your family. My husband had his spinal tap last wk. & will get results on the 20th, when he sees his neuro. She told him that if the spinal tap is clean, it's an isolated case of Transverse Myelitis. If not, yuck. I'm sure all will be good with him. Best wishes to you. Take good care, Rondi

[sllowe]

Hey Gal,

Interferons can definitely cause thyroid changes. Did the neuro place the order for the lab? My suggestion at this point is to keep a watchful eye on it through continuing to have them run periodically.

Did you have labs run prior to starting the interferons? That was my problem. My levels come back fine always, but an ultrasound showed some nodules. W/out a look at them prior to starting meds, no way of knowing if they were already there. So, wondering if this was the sitch for you too.....

You can always pause the meds too - like they do when liver enzymes elevate or WBCs.....

Nice to see you Rondi,
-Shell