Hypothyroidism after breast cancer?

Posted by sarahmh @sarahmh, Jan 21 11:15am

Hello, everyone. I’ve noticed some random new symptoms that may point to hypothyroidism. I’m contacting my doc tomorrow, but I wonder if anyone else has developed hypothyroidism following breast cancer treatment?

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What symptoms are you experiencing? I’ve noticed a lot of hair loss. I had a right side mastectomy and a left side lumpectomy on October 20.

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@jessica79

What symptoms are you experiencing? I’ve noticed a lot of hair loss. I had a right side mastectomy and a left side lumpectomy on October 20.

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The first thing I noticed was my fingernails! They have become really weak, they bend back super easily (ew), and they have very noticeable ridges/lines from cuticle to tip. (I actually brought that up to my oncologist a few months ago, and she ordered iron tests for me, but my iron was fine.) Then I noticed that my arms, legs, armpits, and even pubic area, have way less hair than usual. My head hair has always shed a lot, but it does seem thinner, and also extremely dry and brittle, which it was not before. My blood pressure has been strangely high in recent months, and I have gained weight and gotten quite a fat belly, even though my eating and exercise habits have not changed at all. I've also developed acid reflux. I have a pretty obnoxious lack of motivation and more fatigue than usual. I'm now getting constipated, even though I'm on Verzenio, which causes diarrhea. Finally, my vision has been blurry and I have high intra-ocular pressure per my optometrist. Looking online, I see that these all can be symptoms of hypothyroidism. I'm sure I could find reasons for each symptom, but taken all together, I think they point to the thyroid. I've asked my oncologist to order a thyroid test along with my usual monthly bloodwork. I could be way off base, but I'd like to find out either way!

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It sounds like side effects of Anastrozole to me. I'm taking Anastrozole. My blood pressure is getting higher, I've gained 5lbs so far, and have blurry vision. I exercised regularly (running, swimming, weight lifting) and don't snack anymore, but couldn't loose weight.

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@myoga

It sounds like side effects of Anastrozole to me. I'm taking Anastrozole. My blood pressure is getting higher, I've gained 5lbs so far, and have blurry vision. I exercised regularly (running, swimming, weight lifting) and don't snack anymore, but couldn't loose weight.

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I'll definitely bring it up to my onc. I've been on exemestane for a year, and I began to notice these symptoms about three months ago. I actually tried anastrozole first, but had to stop after two months, because it caused trigger finger in both thumbs (so did letrozole). Honestly, these new symptoms are not a huge deal, but I would like to know the cause.

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@sarahmh

The first thing I noticed was my fingernails! They have become really weak, they bend back super easily (ew), and they have very noticeable ridges/lines from cuticle to tip. (I actually brought that up to my oncologist a few months ago, and she ordered iron tests for me, but my iron was fine.) Then I noticed that my arms, legs, armpits, and even pubic area, have way less hair than usual. My head hair has always shed a lot, but it does seem thinner, and also extremely dry and brittle, which it was not before. My blood pressure has been strangely high in recent months, and I have gained weight and gotten quite a fat belly, even though my eating and exercise habits have not changed at all. I've also developed acid reflux. I have a pretty obnoxious lack of motivation and more fatigue than usual. I'm now getting constipated, even though I'm on Verzenio, which causes diarrhea. Finally, my vision has been blurry and I have high intra-ocular pressure per my optometrist. Looking online, I see that these all can be symptoms of hypothyroidism. I'm sure I could find reasons for each symptom, but taken all together, I think they point to the thyroid. I've asked my oncologist to order a thyroid test along with my usual monthly bloodwork. I could be way off base, but I'd like to find out either way!

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I did not write this! I could have written word for word for the first 2/3! I do not have any thyroid issues but I do take anastrozole. I’ve been taking a 1/2 dose of collagen as it causes me loose stools. Collagen is supposed to help with hair, nails and bone strength. Best of luck to all of us on this journey!

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@jkh

I did not write this! I could have written word for word for the first 2/3! I do not have any thyroid issues but I do take anastrozole. I’ve been taking a 1/2 dose of collagen as it causes me loose stools. Collagen is supposed to help with hair, nails and bone strength. Best of luck to all of us on this journey!

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BIOTIN - really helped my hair and nails to strengthen after chemo!

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@sarahmh

The first thing I noticed was my fingernails! They have become really weak, they bend back super easily (ew), and they have very noticeable ridges/lines from cuticle to tip. (I actually brought that up to my oncologist a few months ago, and she ordered iron tests for me, but my iron was fine.) Then I noticed that my arms, legs, armpits, and even pubic area, have way less hair than usual. My head hair has always shed a lot, but it does seem thinner, and also extremely dry and brittle, which it was not before. My blood pressure has been strangely high in recent months, and I have gained weight and gotten quite a fat belly, even though my eating and exercise habits have not changed at all. I've also developed acid reflux. I have a pretty obnoxious lack of motivation and more fatigue than usual. I'm now getting constipated, even though I'm on Verzenio, which causes diarrhea. Finally, my vision has been blurry and I have high intra-ocular pressure per my optometrist. Looking online, I see that these all can be symptoms of hypothyroidism. I'm sure I could find reasons for each symptom, but taken all together, I think they point to the thyroid. I've asked my oncologist to order a thyroid test along with my usual monthly bloodwork. I could be way off base, but I'd like to find out either way!

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I took BIOTIN after my chemo - my nails - which had always been strong - started weakening and flaking - Once I started the biotin/daily - they grew back as they had been and my hair grew back quite thick also (- not sure how it affects thyroid readings/function)

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Well, my thyroid tests just came back normal. I haven't talked to my oncologist yet, but I see her soon. Perhaps it is the AI, as others have experienced; it just took so long for symptoms to appear after I first started exemestane, I thought it must be something else.

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