Thyroid Dysfunction Triggered by Cancer Therapy

Cancer treatment affects more than the tumor. It can also disrupt hormone systems, including the thyroid. Many people develop thyroid problems during or after cancer treatment, even without a history of thyroid disease. Fatigue, weight change, low mood, and sensitivity to cold or heat often get blamed on recovery, when thyroid dysfunction may be the cause. Thyroid changes after cancer therapy occur more often than many realize.

Effects of cancer treatment on the thyroid

Some of the cancer therapies disrupt normal thyroid functioning. Thyroid tissue can be damaged by radiation to the head, neck, or upper chest. This harm might not be immediately evident. Months or years after treatment, the level of thyroid hormones may decrease.

Some chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapy interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis or metabolism. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause thyroid inflammation. Under such circumstances, the immune system attacks thyroid tissue, causing a temporary hyperproduction of hormones and a decline in thyroid activity.

The thyroid need not be in the radiation field to be affected. Even inflammation and scattered radiation may still interfere with hormone production.

Types of thyroid problems after treatment

Low thyroid functioning is most common. The most typical symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, loss of hair, intolerance to cold, and slowed thinking. Such symptoms are similar to cancer-related fatigue that, in many cases, postpones the diagnosis.

High thyroid function may appear early, especially with immunotherapy. Symptoms include palpitations, anxiety, heat intolerance, and unintended weight loss. This phase often shifts into low thyroid function as the gland becomes damaged.

Some people develop painless thyroid inflammation without obvious early symptoms. Blood testing becomes essential for detection.

How common thyroid dysfunction is

Thyroid dysfunction is well-documented after cancer therapy. Studies show that 20 to 50 percent of people treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors develop thyroid abnormalities. Among patients who receive radiation to the head and neck, up to 30 percent develop low thyroid function within five years. Despite these rates, thyroid testing often stops once cancer treatment ends.

Impacts of untreated thyroid dysfunction

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, digestion, muscle function, and temperature control. Low hormone levels worsen fatigue, accelerate muscle loss, and affect cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Untreated thyroid dysfunction reduces daily functioning and slows physical recovery. Many survivors accept these symptoms as unavoidable when treatment can improve them.

Testing and follow-up care

Simple blood tests measure thyroid function. TSH and free T4 levels provide essential information. Testing helps before treatment, during therapy when risk increases, and after treatment when delayed effects appear.

Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight change, or temperature sensitivity warrant thyroid testing rather than reassurance alone. Identifying and treating thyroid dysfunction supports recovery and long-term health after cancer therapy.