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Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 7:55 pm Post subject: Thyroid Issues and interferon
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.
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.
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