RAI & HRT

[lemongrass69]

Hello everyone. I had a telephone appointment with a doctor yesterday to discuss HRT as I’m having a few symptoms and thinking of going on it. We discuss other medical conditions and the risks of HRT. She has really freaked me out as she said because I’ve had RAI I’m at more risk of breast cancer when taking HRT. She sent me two studies- one a American study which has worried me the other study not so worrying.

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. I suffer with anxiety so it’s gone through the roof now. Thanks.

[Marz]

Are you well treated for your thyroid ? Could help your menopause symptoms if you are. Also do you supplement ?

Sorry - no experience of HRT with or without HRT.

Hope you soon find answers ....

[lemongrass69]

Hi. Yeah I have bloods every 3 months and I’m taking 100 mg levothyroxine. It’s been a bit up and down since RAI.

After reading some of the posts it looks likely HRT will mess with thyroid levels.

[Hillwoman]

I am just now listening to a podcast episode hosted by Dr Peter Attia, who is interviewing the authors of a new book, Oestrogen Matters, about the emerging scandal of the major studies on HRT safety over the past 30 years. It may not be news to other women on this forum, but it is to me, having concentrated on other notable medical scandals in my reading over the past several years.

Long story short: don't worry. Your doctor has been taught that anything other than short-term HRT raises the risk of breast cancer. It isn't true - quite the opposite, in fact. As for the HRT risk in relation to RAI, I know nothing of this. There may have been a published suggestion somewhere of a relative risk, but if it doesn't reach statistical significance then it's just 'noise'. Even if it does, you still have to look at the absolute numbers to work out whether they're important.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...

[xdianex]

Can I suggest looking at Dr Newman the menopause doctor. I’ve been on HRT for 3 weeks now and I’m really feeling a benefit. I don’t know the risks in relation to RAI though sorry.

[pennyannie]

Hello Lemongrass and welcome to the forum :

If you have Graves Disease and wish to read further around this poorly understood and badly treated autoimmune disease you might like to dip into the Elaine Moore Graves Disease Foundation website.

It would also be a good idea to ask for a full thyroid panel to include your TSH, T3, T4, and ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D as no thyroid hormone works well if these core strength vitamins and minerals are not maintained at optimal levels.

I have Graves Disease, and post RAI thyroid ablation in 2005 and now manage lingering Graves, thyroid eye disease and hypothyroidism.

[lemongrass69]

Thank you for that. I spend so much time worrying. It’s crippling.

[pennyannie in reply to lemongrass69]

Hey there :

I understand Graves to be a stress ad anxiety driven AI disease so worrying about the consequences of RAI will only exacerbate your current wellbeing.

I was told nothing when I was to have RAI the following year, back in 2003/4 and didn't know there were other treatment options, and I was well on the AT drugs.

I only found out what I know now when I purchased Elaine Moore's first book Graves Disease - A Practical Guide out of desperation, after being referred to as a conundrum by my doctor, I thought maybe that the Graves I had 10 years ago, had come back.

I learnt Graves doesn't go away, and the consequences of RAI treatment, and saw my symptoms :

Being dyslexic I purchased a second copy of the book hoping my doctor would help with my understanding - wrong : the book was declined, though she knew of my disability :

I then found this amazing forum and have been able to put myself together again, guessing a bit like Humpy Dumpty.

It's a massive learning curve, especially and if suffering with reduced cognitive functions.

I don't know anything about HRT - sorry :

[Lora7again]

Have a look at Elaine Moore's site she had RAI and then started a support site. Just to add you should join and ask her about this.

elaine-moore.com/

[lemongrass69]

Thank you everyone for your kind and supportive words. I’m now feeling a bit calmer. X

[pennyannie]

Hey there my virtual friend :

Elaine Moore specifies after RAI for Graves Disease there is an increased incidence of breast and small bowel cancer.

I have no knowledge myself and fingers crossed this is one issue I hope to dodge :

[lemongrass69 in reply to pennyannie]

Oh dear they don’t tell you that when you have RAI. I really wish I hadn’t had it but can’t do anything about it now.

[pennyannie in reply to lemongrass69]

When was your RAI treatment ?

There is nothing on your profile page and it does help to have some background information so to understand your situation better.

Please do not agree to a dose reduction on just a TSH blood test - Graves TSH bloods are known to be unreliable and you must be dosed and monitored on both T3 and T4 blood test results with the aim being to have these vital thyroid hormones in the upper quadrants of the ranges.

[lemongrass69]

Hi sorry you’re having a difficult time. Thank you for your message. Wishing you all the best.

[pennyannie]

Yes, exactly -

I don't know either, though I read again, in Elaine's first book, that the dose of RAI is not as exacting as you may think !!! so that's why I mentioned the Graves :

Well - I guess you can't now even if you wanted to !!!

[pennyannie]

No idea " how to " reply with one of those :

Sending a hug instead :

[pennyannie]

So relieved -

I thought you were going to try and tell me " How To Do It " since as you know I'm also a " Cut & Paste " free zone !!!

[Lora7again in reply to pennyannie]

Just right click and then paste onto your post. It should be easy for someone like you who can explain exactly what Graves' disease is.

[pennyannie in reply to Lora7again]

Thank you Lora but it's a waste of time -

I just glaze over -

I'll get one of my nieces to show me, if Father Christmas isn't furloughed !!!

[Lora7again in reply to pennyannie]

Don't underestimate yourself xx