Low TSH advice and breast cancer

[farrellkl68]

I’ve been hypo for 25 years . October 23, non fasted , 12 hours after last dose of Levi , annual bloods showed TSH 0.1 (0.2-6) and T4 18.9.(12-22).

Recommended retest in 6 months .

I saw private endo ( useless ) who did fasted bloods . TSH 4.5 , T4 16.8 and T3 3.9

Levo was 24 hours before bloods , as recommended .

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March , so I cancelled endo follow up . I have been taking Anastrazole for 4 months .

Just had NHS bloods redone TSH 0.1 AGAIN and T4 18.6.

Same ranges as October 23.

Was a fasted blood test at 8.30am . Last dose levo 24 hours earlier .

Recommend leave for 12 months 🙄.

I already have very mild osteopenia ( age 56) and I’m worried that staying on 125 mcg is going to worsen this , with the cancer hormone therapy added in .

TBH as I’ve now finished active breast cancer treatments, thyroid not been too of my list !!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.

Its a myth that low TSH causes bone loss. thyroiduk.org/further-readi...

Members here find that they need to optimise vitamin levels for their thyroid hormone to work well.

Are you taking any supplements?

Hypo people get low vitamin levels due to low stomach acid and not being able to absorb vitamins well from their food.

at bedtime works well for them.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

[farrellkl68 in reply to Jaydee1507]

hi , I take D3/K . Calcium , magnesium and Thorne B vits but I will ask my Gp to check my bloods as the Anastrazole can impact cholesterol etc . I used to take my levo at night but I’ve had to change to mornings as I have to take the breast cancer drug at night . I’ve told my GP that I’m not happy to have 12 month monitoring with a TSH under reference range .

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to farrellkl68]

I wouldn't make too much fuss about a low TSH otherwise GP will reduce your dose which you cant afford to do due to low FT3.

Recommend testing vitamins in case your need has increased with new treatment.

[jimh111]

These hormone levels are likely to have a small effect on bones. It depends on whether you will be OK on a lower dose. There is some evidence that higher thyroid hormone levels are not good for breast cancer, see my write up here ibshypo.com/index.php/thyro... . Please note I do not have any cancer knowledge. So, lower levels maybe safer but it all depends on how well you are on a slightly lower dose.

[farrellkl68 in reply to jimh111]

Thanks I’ll have a read . I think I need to see GP anyway as I’m due a health check with cholesterol etc . Deferred because of breast cancer!