Thyroid Issues and interferon

[kareng7]

Just followed an interesting line of research about thyroid problems and MS--since thryoid runs in my family. I found a study that says up to 24% of the people on interferon 1-a and 1-b develop hypothyroidism within the first year of treatment. Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.

This study suggests you get tested if you're using interferon.

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/conten ... 004-2326v1

Have any of you had your doc test you for thyroid issues? If so, any results to share?

[Mollysmom]

I developed symptoms of hypothyroidism (coldness, dry skin, constipation) about 7 months after starting Rebif in 2002. My primary care doc. tested my TSH and T3 and T4 and sure enough, I had a severely sluggish thyroid.

Started synthroid in March of 2003 and now, after having a baby and changing meds to Betaseron, still need the synthroid. My neuro. routinely checks thyroid function when he checks my liver levels every 6 mos.

I should also state that I had been on the borderline of hypothyroidism before going on the meds, but had no symptoms. The interferon seemed to fry an already delicate thyroid function in my case.

Thanks for the question!

Alyssa