What is thyroid hormone replacement?
The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is critical for life. It regulates body processes like heart rate, metabolism and temperature. Some types of thyroid cancer respond to TSH, which can cause remaining cancer cells to grow.
If you've had total thyroidectomy, a surgery for thyroid cancer, your body no longer makes thyroid hormones on its own. In some cases, partial thyroidectomy may also require thyroid hormone replacement. You will take daily thyroid hormone to replace these hormones and help keep you healthy. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can have negative consequences and even be life-threatening.
How thyroid hormone therapy works
Cancer occurs when abnormal thyroid cells grow and spread. When thyroid cancer is present, specialists may prescribe thyroid hormone therapy to prevent cancer cells from growing.
Increasing the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood tells your pituitary gland to stop making TSH. Less TSH in your blood may slow cancer's growth and may prevent cancer from returning after treatment (recurrence).
When this treatment is used
Penn Medicine endocrinologists track every step of thyroid cancer treatment and recovery. We work with you — and with other thyroid cancer care team members — to ensure you get the right care at the right time.
Our experts ensure your thyroid hormones are at the right levels for the best health outcomes. We may use thyroid hormone therapies:
- After thyroid cancer surgery
- Before radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer
Side effects of thyroid hormone therapy
Maintaining proper thyroid hormone levels is important for staying healthy. Your doctor will check and adjust your hormone levels during and after thyroid cancer treatment.
Some people experience side effects of thyroid hormone therapy, including:
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Sleeplessness
- Weight loss
In some cases, overmedication with thyroid replacement hormone can result in osteoporosis (thinning bones) and irregular heart rate (arrhythmia).
Your doctor will regularly monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust your thyroid hormone replacement therapy dose as needed.
Hormonal therapy for thyroid cancer: the Penn Medicine difference
Penn Medicine endocrinologists are experts at diagnosing and treating thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. We design thyroid hormone therapies that help block hormones that help cancer grow. We also create personalized treatment plans to replace thyroid hormones when the thyroid no longer functions. Our thyroid team has contributed to current treatment guidelines for leading organizations like the American Thyroid Association. You can count on us for thyroid cancer treatment plans that meet your unique needs.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.