Peg affecting thyroid

[Mymble]

Hello everyone -does anyone have experience of Peg-Inf affecting their thyroid function. I started Peg in August 2019, titration up to a dose of 90 weekly but for the last 10 months I’ve been on a dose of 45 fortnightly. I now have subclinical hypothyroidism -still producing thyroxine in the normal range but TSH is 10.72 which is a lot higher than normal. At my last two haem appointments, beginning thyroxine replacement was mentioned but they seem to be leaving it to me to decide when, depending on how I feel because it’s sub-clinical. However, having done a bit of research, it seems that if TSH is as high as mine it should be treated regardless of thyroxine level. I just wondered if anyone else had been in a similar situation and how you had approached treatment. Thank you.

[CalL1981]

I also have hypothyroidism which seems to be a common overlap in this group. I would think a TSH of 10 requires replacement even if only a small amount. I would suggesting seeing an endocrinologist if you haven’t already.

[Mymble in reply to CalL1981]

Thank you very much - I’ll follow up at my appointment in June

[ainslie]

TSH of 10.7 is pretty major and should be corrected for optimal health

[SoledadBarcelona]

I am fighting with it. I try with a strict diet and exercise and also lifestyle, you know. My TSH is fluctuating but it will be consistent I wont doubt about medication, but you think about liquid medication because it is better. It is called Solsint®, levotiroxina (LT4) for hipo. I don't know your problem, the mine is Hashimoto.

[WeylandYutani]

Hello Mymble,

Don't know if this is still of interest for you, but I was diagnosed with Hashimoto (but normal TSH) short before I started with Besremi. Over time my TSH rose up to about 8 and I started to get really tired - thinking it's my MPN. My endocrinologist said it's fine until it's up to about 10, but my hematologist - also suffering from Hashimoto - told me, that he would sleep most of the day having my levels of TSH, so we started a small dose of L-Thyroxin.

And the effect was really amazing, as most of my symptoms were caused not by my MPN but by my thyroid. I also realized, that Interferon definitely affects my thyroid, but when under good care it's not a big deal - at least that's how it is with me.

Take care

[Mymble in reply to WeylandYutani]

Thank you - definitely of interest. I have been largely asymptomatic in respect of PV so my guess is that my tiredness and inability to concentrate, complete a sentence or remember names(😆) is down to the thyroid issue so I’m looking forward to starting thyroxine replacement. Thanks for the reassurance!

[ClareW5]

Thanks for your post. I have been on Peg Interferon for just about 2 years now. I had high TSH levels picked up at a blood test in December and have been taking Levothyroxine since, my results and dosage have fluctuated over the last 6 months. I have had conflicting information from my Haematology doctors about a link with ET and Peg interferon so am interested in other stories. I have days feeling exhausted and lacking in any enthusiasm for anything. I am 48 and have just been prescribed HRT to see if hormones are also a contributor. I’m just keen to try and find information that will help me understand what is going on with my body, and to try and get back to feeling better. 😊