Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
What is hormone therapy for thyroid cancer?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treats thyroid conditions by supplying hormones that your thyroid gland can’t produce on its own. It’s commonly used after a thyroid gland is removed due to thyroid cancer or for conditions like hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland has stopped producing an adequate level of hormones naturally. Hormone deficiencies of the adrenal and pituitary glands, other key parts of the endocrine system, are also treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Penn Medicine’s thyroid and parathyroid specialists provide therapy for thyroid problems as part of our collaborative approach to endocrine care. We work with you to understand your body’s thyroid hormone requirements and identify the precise hormone levels you need to stay healthy.
Why you may need thyroid HRT
Therapy for thyroid problems is typically recommended if the thyroid has been removed or is not functioning properly. It delivers the thyroid hormones needed to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and to slow or stop the growth of some benign or cancerous conditions.
Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal thyroid cells grow and spread. HRT for thyroid cancer can provide care in a couple of ways.
- If you’ve had a total thyroidectomy to remove your thyroid gland, your body no longer makes thyroid hormone, and you’ll need to replace it with thyroid hormone therapy. In some cases, a partial thyroidectomy may also require thyroid hormone replacement.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), produced by your pituitary gland, triggers your thyroid to release thyroid hormones that regulate processes like heart rate, metabolism, and temperature. In some cases, TSH can cause cancer cells in the thyroid to grow. Hormone therapy signals your pituitary gland to make less TSH, which can slow the growth of thyroid cancer and prevent cancer from returning after treatment.
Some people have underactive thyroid glands that don’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This causes a variety of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, and muscle and joint pain. You can treat hypothyroidism by taking a daily medication that supplements low thyroid hormone levels.
A thyroid gland can become enlarged and form a goiter. A goiter can be as small as one tiny nodule or as large as a mass in the front of the neck. It’s typically a benign condition. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can help keep the goiter from growing larger.
Hormone replacement for other endocrine conditions
Some hormones produced by the pituitary gland and adrenal glands also require hormone replacement therapy to stabilize hormone levels. These hormones can interact with thyroid hormones as part of the endocrine system.
Common endocrine conditions treated with HRT include:
- Hypopituitarism: Your pituitary gland releases a variety of hormones that interact with other glands like the thyroid. For example, it produces TSH, which prompts the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones. With hypopituitarism, your pituitary gland does not produce the right types or amounts of certain hormones. In this case, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to replenish these hormone levels.
- Addison’s disease: This condition results when your adrenal glands do not produce enough of the cortisol or aldosterone hormones that your body needs. Hormone replacement therapy uses scheduled medications to replace these missing hormones, giving your body the support it needs to stay healthy.
What to expect when taking HRT for your thyroid
Generally, thyroid hormone therapy is taken as a daily pill, often for the rest of your life. It’s typically given as a synthetic drug that performs the same functions as your body’s naturally produced hormones.
Your doctor will tell you the best time to take the medication. For example, you may take a pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to help your body absorb the medication. You’ll get tips and best practices for when and how to take medication.
Recovery and follow-up after thyroid hormone replacement
Your doctor will monitor your thyroid hormone levels through regular blood tests to ensure your hormone levels are stable. Based on the results, they may adjust your medication dosage to reduce side effects and help you stay healthy.
Always let your care team know if you experience any new or unusual symptoms once you start thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Common symptoms like nervousness, sleeplessness, unexpected weight loss, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) should be discussed with your care team so they can make medication changes if needed.
Safe, effective thyroid care from endocrine experts
Penn Medicine endocrinologists are experts at diagnosing and treating conditions related to hormone deficiencies of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands. As a high-volume thyroid cancer surgery center, we have particular expertise in thyroidectomies and hormone therapy after thyroid surgery.
Our endocrinologists have also contributed to current treatment guidelines for leading organizations like the American Thyroid Association, allowing us to advance the latest treatments for thyroid conditions. You can count on us for HRT plans that are carefully selected, reliable, and tailored for your needs.