Has anyone experienced an under active thyroid while on Lupron? If so, how was it treated?

[APL1881]

My husband, diagnosed 12/2017, RP 12/2017 (pelvic region was full of cancer - prostate, seminal vesicles, and many nerves removed. Cancer found in several lymph nodes and neck of bladder), PSA at diagnosis 12, Gleason 9, IMRT fall 2018, has been on Lupron since January 2018 with an undetectable PSA since he began treatment. Recently his thyroid was tested and found to be under active, which can be a Lupron side effect.

I'm not having much luck finding information. What have you experienced and can you recommend any resources? Thanks so much for your help!

Debbie

[Brundo]

Hi there,

My father's blood work came back a few weeks ago and it also showed underactive thyroid. I asked his specialist and he said it was all expected due to ADT. Some other things were out of range and after we left his office I started thinking that maybe the doctor didn't even see the thyroid level and was reffering to all those other things. I just called them 5 days ago and left a message and still waiting to find out. I will let you know what they say.

[APL1881 in reply to Brundo]

Thanks for the reply - good luck!

[Trecento]

Hi Debbie - my husband has experienced the same, but until a visit with a new integrative health doctor on Friday last, no real concern or treatment has been recommended. Further blood tests will be taken tomorrow, and she will review results next month (i guess unless anything urgent is evident). Prior to his tratment, thyroid readings were normal. I should add that he has salivary gland cancer, but is being treated with prostate cancer drugs. Further, has had surgery and radiation in neck and jaw, so that too could be contributing as well as ADT drugs. Happy to share developments with you. Best wishes.

[APL1881 in reply to Trecento]

Thank you - good luck!

[SeattleDan]

Yes, when I was on Lupron (and Apalutamine) I immediately went from a normal to a hypo-thyroid condition. My oncologist put me on 75mcg Levothyroxine Sodium per day, which I understand serves as a kind of thyroidal stimulant. Once I finished testing out the right dosage, my thyroid has stayed well in the normal range and I feel fine. It's been several years already now since being on Lupron. I've heard there's also a more natural (and more expensive) option for hypo-thyroid, but I don't recall the details.

[APL1881 in reply to SeattleDan]

Good to know - thank you!

[aryeh123 in reply to SeattleDan]

On chemo for five months. Diagnosed with hypothyroid. Given Levothyroxine and felt better within days. Simple suggestion go to the doctor and get the blood tests.

Good luck

[mcp1941]

While I was only on Eligard there was no problem with my thyroid but when Erleada was added my TSH number started to climb. My endocrinologist said that its not that far above normal to start Levothyroxine therapy, PCP disagreed and started me on 25mcg. Endocrinologist went along with PCP and also agreed when PCP suggested increasing dose to 50mcg. TSH reading still above range and PCP wanted to raise the dose again. asked him to wait until I see Endo and get his approval. Will find out in March.

[APL1881 in reply to mcp1941]

Thank you! I hope all goes well in March. Let me know how it turns out!

[Thinus]

Same here. I am still on Euthyrox 50 mg. No big deal.

Bear in mind, the Lupron effects the master gland under the brain which job it is to tell the other glands how to do their jobs. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage to the master gland is permanent. Like in my case. It is a year since I am off Lucrin, but my hormones are still haywire.

Hang in there, it is something that can be easy controlled by another pill.

[APL1881 in reply to Thinus]

Thank you!

[CalBear74]

Levothyroxine 88mg. One tab daily in AM on empty stomach. I have been on Lupron for six plus years. My disease is not yet resistant.

[APL1881 in reply to CalBear74]

That's great news! I so happy for you! Glad the Levothyroxine is working.

Thanks for the reply!

Debbie

[Union98]

My husband was diagnosed with thyroid problems just a few months before his cancer diagnosis (Stage IV, bone and lymph nodes, Gleason 4+3, PSA 74). That was also when they did the first dre and PSA test. He's been on Levothyroxine ever since.

[APL1881 in reply to Union98]

Thank you!