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A
synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), known as levothyroxine, is the most widely prescribed drug to
treat hypothyroidism.
If
you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism it means your thyroid is
underactive. Your thyroid is either not producing adequate amounts of thyroid
hormones or the thyroid hormones are not working effectively in the body.
Concerns
have recently been raised about the potential hazards of this thyroid drug. A
new Italian study has revealed a significant link between the levothyroxine
medication and an increased lung cancer risk.
The
study titled ‘Levothyroxine and lung cancer in females: the importance of
oxidative stress’ was recently published in the Reproductive Biology and
Endocrinology journal.
The
research was carried out exclusively with a population of Italian women as the
majority of levothyroxine prescribed in the Italian regions was for women.
Levothyroxine
+ oxidative stress
Reactive
oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen derived free radicals. These compounds are
continually produced within the body as part of normal ongoing processes.
Oxidative
stress is a term that refers to the imbalance that occurs when the body’s
natural defence systems are overwhelmed by the activity of reactive oxygen
species (ROS). Excessive oxidative stress due to over activity of ROS attack
can result in the stimulation, and progression of cancer.
In
this new Italian study the researchers propose the levothyroxine drug induces
greater thyroid hormone activity with the potential to generate increased
activity of ROS.
Due
to the rich oxygen state of the lungs, the lung tissue is highly susceptible to
damage by ROS. A major trigger for the development of lung cancer is excessive
oxidative stress within the lung tissue.
The
Italian researchers state there are some limitations to their findings.
However, this is not the first study to reveal a link between standard
hypothyroidism treatment and oxidative stress. A study published in the Journal
of the Italian Medical Association Panminerva medica revealed
levothyroxine prescribed at a dose of 75 micrograms per day for hypothyroidism
caused oxidative stress.
Measuring
oxidative stress is not normally performed to adjust an individual’s
levothyroxine dose. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3) are routinely checked to make any necessary adjustments
to the medication.
Any
side effects are considered temporary and are usually dealt with by reducing
levothyroxine intake. Increased oxidative stress is not normally considered a
factor when there are noticeable adverse side effects.
Safer
alternatives to levothyroxine medication?
The
new Italian research also raises important questions regarding alternative
thyroid medications. One of the main drawbacks of giving T4 in isolation is
that the T4 may not convert sufficiently to T3. This can lead to T4 ‘backing
up’ and causing excessive T4 activity.
This
can easily occur when zinc and selenium levels are low in the body as these two
minerals assist conversion of T4 to T3 to meet the body’s ongoing demand for
T3.
Low
T4 to T3 conversion also occurs in response to cutting calories, toxicity and
stress. The researchers propose combination T4/T3 therapy or single T3
preparations may be safer options to treat hypothyroidism.
Smoking
+ levothyroxine risk
There
is no doubt smoking dramatically increases lung cancer risk. Smoking was recognised
as a stand-alone risk for this new Italian study so smoking risk was adjusted
for.
Despite
this, the relationship between levothyroxine and lung cancer was still
significant. Their research also showed smoking and levothyroxine therapy did
increase lung cancer risk more than ageing.
This
study raises serious concerns for women who take levothyroxine and smoke.
Should a warning become mandatory to notify individuals that taking thyroxine
and continuing to smoke can significantly increase lung cancer risk?
Watch
these following videos
If
you want to read more there is an excellent blog post regarding this new
levothyroxine drug study at Green Med Info.
Read
the following related articles:
Author Bio:
Louise O’ Connor,
the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who
is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian
Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.
The Natural Thyroid
Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve
healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details,
Click on
The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com
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