Letrozole and thyroid problems?

Hi mistymole, yes I think I will ask the doctor for that information. I was told at the hospital that my TSH was low and then the GP said it was  OK, after my repeat test. Neither actually mentioned any numbers.

I had more information about the results of my thyroid test. All I was told is that normally it should be at 19.8 and it was at 20, so just a smidge over, but I don't know exactly what she was talking about. 

So, I am hyperthyroidic and the only symptom  I seem to have from this is that I am losing weight against the odds (I don't deprive myself of anything, and am on a chocolate diet at the moment, lol). 

Anyone knows what those numbers correspond to?

She wants to refer me to a specialist for my thyroid, I am not keen on taking more pills, after being on 2 chemos for 2 different cancers and losing weight at last (lol), taking too many pills is never good, what is the highest you can go in numbers for the thyroid before it gets dangerous? 

Hi Lolaan, I just wanted to say something, you might not appreciate but.....you are happy about weight loss while eating what you like! Who wouldn't. BUT it's not fat that you are losing its muscle, I was diagnosed years ago with Graves' disease, which is basically an overactive thyroid, my weight like yours dropped. But when I look back at photos now I see how unhealthy I looked. I gradually got more and more muscle aches, climbing stairs was a nightmare and just lifting my legs almost impossible!

So hopefully the endocrinologist that you will see will get you back on track! Better to lose weight in a more healthy way  I do understand what a nightmare weight gain is, I am struggling with my weight since starting Zoladex injections! But that's life! I will have a go at losing some weight in the new year, right now I'll just try and enjoy Christmas. Wishing you all the best! Xxx

I have had problems with my thyroid I’m wondering if It is Letrozole 

HI

I know nothing about thyroid, but just wanted to pick up on the fact that you want a mastectomy (and potentially both breasts) due to not wanting radiotherapy on the left side.  I had WLE 8cm and radiotherapy on left breast.  I only took one day off work after the lumpectomy (WLE) operation and was well enough to drive daily to radiotherapy.  I have had no problems whatsoever with my heart, even though I couldn't have the breathing technique.  I was worried about not being able to have the breathing technique to protect the heart due to the problems of positioning (as I have no elbow in my right arm which I lost in a road accident).  I was told "it's ok, your heart is reasonably far away from the chest wall and it just makes our calculations more complex - but it is no issue whatsoever" It wasn't as I've had my first year check up and am fine.  Obviously you have a lot more going on than I did, but just wanted to add this to the pot as it is a big decision to have them both removed when the team suggest a WLE.

Kindest wishes,

I've just caught up with this and noticed that you did not get a reply to this part 

I had more information about the results of my thyroid test. All I was told is that normally it should be at 19.8 and it was at 20, so just a smidge over, but I don't know exactly what she was talking about. 

So, I am hyperthyroidic and the only symptom  I seem to have from this is that I am losing weight against the odds 

Anyone knows what those numbers correspond to?

Hopefully you are more informed about your thyroid now, but the numbers probably relate to your Free T4 blood count.  The range is usually something like 12-22, but different labs have different ranges.  

Always ask for a copy of your blood test, and keep copies for your reference.  I wouldn't really worry bout 0.2 over range, but keep an eye on trends.

Hi  

If you've read this thread then you have probably learned a bit about it!  Any change in hormone levels, vitamins, iron, etc can affect the thyroid, so it's not really surprising that people on Letrozole can have problems if their thyroid was perhaps struggling anyway.  

it is a good idea to ask for copies of all results to keep and eye on trends, and never accept the doctor saying that you are "normal".  Also, they tend to panic if TSH is suppressed, but many patients feel best if their TSH is 1, or even less, to the point of undetectable.  

Further, B12, Vit D, folate and ferritin are all crucial for the conversion of T4 (levothyroxine, inactive hormone) to T3, (liothyronine, active hormone), and levels of these should be optimal, not just "in range".  Remember that ranges are often quite random, anyway.

Have a look on the ThyroidUK site, they also link to a very helpful forum where you can get great advice. 

Hi Helen!

i found this forum after searching for relationship between TSH and Letrozole. I’ve taken letrozole for fertility treatments and just got a blood retest after several failed attempts and I all the sudden have TSH and Prolactin issues. TSH is elevated for fertility purposes at 2.6 and they want it at 2.5 I’ve been in the past 2.0-2.4 not much of a difference but enough to cancel my next treatment. Then I learned from your posts that vitamins can also change the thyroid and I’ve been on lots of new vitamins including b complex ,added b6 , myo inositol, r lipoc acid, nac, coq10, vitamin e + prenatal. + Traditional Chinese medicine herbs...

would you say I should stop some of these to see if my TSH normalizes? Thanks! Or any other insight!

I am also on letrozole and I’ve just been diagnosed with thyroid problems. Mine has completely shut down. I’ve been on the meds for 3 years and have been complaining to my best consultants for that length of time of feeling constantly tired and in pain with joints, muscles etc among other things and nothing has been done. I recently went to my doctors with severe knee pain and was given a simple blood test that revealed my thyroid problems. I’m now on meds for my thyroid and am waiting for an ultra sound. Thank goodness for my painful knee and my doctor who’s actually listened and acted. My breast consultants have been rubbish, they’ve basically box ticked. I hope you are feeling better and your thyroid is working properly now. I feel better for just being listened to.