Can radiation affect thyroid

[radie]

I was dx with Hashimoto's in 1992 treated with Synthroid 0.1mg qd.  I get my blood tested annually and have always been within normal limits.  Last test in 5/09 normal.  I was diagnosed with invasive ductal stage III breast cancer 5/08. I went through 5 months of chemo, mastectomy with no node involment, following with 5 weeks of radiation.  I did pretty well until I got to radiation.  My body did not tolerate the supraclavicular radiation well.  It was painful and my clavicle and neck became swollen on the side of the radiation.  I suffered from brachial plexopathy but had no residual effects.  Actually a 2 months ago I was doing really good and felt I was back to normal.
Nine months after radiation I started suffering from low body temps, always cold even after exercise, fatigue, itchiness all over, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and headaches.  
I intend to get a blood test but want to know what I should be asking for in order to the best results.  Will my PCP be adequate to handle any changes or do I need to see an endocrinologist?  I also wonder if the radiation may have played a part in this. What is you best answer with little I have provided.
Thank you

[Smilerdeb]

I would say yes...the radiation would play a big part in your levels......one being radiation and two...being the stress of it all.
I would suggest you get yr FT3, FT4 & TSH done to see if you need an increase in Synthroid.
I think you may find you need an increase in your meds but dont increase until youve had a thyroid function test done again and make sure it is the FREE T's that are done and not the normal T's.
All the best .