Hypothyroidism after breast cancer?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
BIOTIN - really helped my hair and nails to strengthen after chemo!
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)
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.