Annual thyroid check

Annual check is a good thing. Thanks, Hazel, for the reminder. According to the British Thyroid Foundation thyroid function can fall off gradually in th over sixties as a natural part of aging. If you have had RT that impacted the thyroid area ( midline neck each side of your larynx)  …. All of us who had neck burns really …. You’re at greater danger of thyroid compromise in the first two years. After that there is still a lifelong risk to be aware of 

I can testify that they do work!  But, if you go onto a thyroid replacement you do need to keep having it checked regularly (not just annually) as it does take some time to settle down.  Also the thyroid will probably further degrade over time.

Hi Peter yes gp explained if or when I need meds it takes time to get the dosage  right and regular blood test would be needed. Thanks for pointing that out. 

Hazel x

I have been on thyroxine for low thyroid function from the age of 40. This was related to some previous radiotherapy that I had in my 20's. for a benign condition that they would now no longer use radiotherapy for. Once the right dose is worked out it is plain sailing. I have regular blood tests to keep a check that the dosage is still right for me. I have never had any issues with it. Just have to remember every morning to take it half an hour before eating. 

Lyn

My husband was never offered an annual thyroid check, or warned that thyroid function could be affected by radiotherapy to the neck. When hypothyroid problems were diagnosed after issues with his cholesterol levels I had to tell him to ask the GP if the radiotherapy could have been the problem (GP should, of course, be fully aware of his cancer history). GP looked it up (!) and said that yes, radiotherapy can impact the thyroid. .... I thought that was perfectly obvious. 

Alichapp said:

My husband was never offered an annual thyroid check, or warned t

I think I might start a thread entitled “Things they never told you”