Can interferon cause thyroid problems?
Thyroid disease is a frequent side effect of interferon (IFN)-α therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other disorders, and the clinical approach to this complication is often carried out by personal judgment rather than by defined guidelines.
Does untreated hypothyroidism cause weight gain?
Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly.
How do I reduce swelling from hypothyroidism?
Treatment is usually bed rest and aspirin to reduce inflammation of a sore thyroid. Occasionally cortisone (steroids, which reduce inflammation) and thyroid hormone (to “rest” the thyroid gland) may be used in prolonged cases.
How do you deal with thyroid problems?
General Wellness Strategies for Thyroid Patients
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: Getting not only enough sleep, but quality sleep, can reduce many of the symptoms associated with thyroid disorders.
- Manage stress: Taking time to practice stress management is well worth it.
How does interferon cause hypothyroidism?
IFNα receptor activation results in activation of the JAK-STAT pathway (82), leading to activation of a large number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) including cytokine and adhesion molecule genes (83;84). These combined effects can induce thyroid autoimmunity.
Can interferon cause hyperthyroidism?
Type of Thyroid Dysfunction Induced by IFN. There are three different types of thyroid dysfunction associated with IFN treatment: (1) autoimmune (often subclinical) hypothyroidism; (2) destructive thyroiditis; and (3) Graves’ hyperthyroidism.
Does hypothyroidism cause belly fat?
Weight gain Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
Will treating hypothyroidism help me lose weight?
How much weight can I expect to lose once the hypothyroidism is treated? Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss.
Can hypothyroidism be reversed with weight loss?
Treatment. Thyroid disease, excess body fat, excess leptin, and leptin resistance all seem to exacerbate each other. While these interactions make treatment and weight loss challenging, modifying your diet and getting adequate thyroid treatment can help reverse some of the effects and normalize hormone levels.
What is the treatment for high thyroid antibodies?
Hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease is caused by antibodies attacking the thyroid and turning it on (see Graves’ disease brochure). Antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery are all effective treatments and can restore thyroid function to normal.
How do doctors treat hypothyroidism?
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others). This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Is Onion bad for hypothyroidism?
Onions. Onions contain two different goitrogens: quercetin and propyl disulfide. Quercetin reduces the activity of thyroperoxidase as well as the activity of a second enzyme — hepatic deiodinase — a liver enzyme required to activate the thyroid hormone.
What are the effects of interferon alpha on the thyroid?
Interferon induced thyroiditis (IIT) is common among HCV patients treated with interferon-alpha (10;11). Preliminary studies suggest at least two different models by which IFNα may induce thyroid dysfunction, immune-mediated effects and direct thyroid-toxic effects of IFNα.
Are there any side effects of interferon α therapy?
Thyroid disease is a frequent side effect of interferon (IFN)-α therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other disorders, and the clinical approach to this complication is often carried out by personal judgment rather than by defined guidelines.
How does IFN affect the development of thyroid disease?
In patients treated with IFN, activation of the immune system is important for the development of thyroid disease. Furthermore, IFN has direct inhibitory effects on thyroid hormone synthesis, release, and metabolism ( 24 – 26 ).
How is interferon alpha used to treat hepatitis C?
Abstract Interferon-alpha (IFNα) is the cornerstone therapeutic agent for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Prospective studies have shown that up to 15% of HCV patients receiving interferon alpha develop clinical thyroid disease, and up to 40% become thyroid antibody positive.