Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and breastfeeding: the endocrinologist replies

Hello Dr.,

I am 34 years old and have been breastfeeding my baby for 7 months. I have known for years that I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but my thyroid has always worked well so I have never been prescribed replacement therapy until today I discovered that my TSH is 37.7 and I have just started taking Eutirox.

The Mario Negri pharmacological research center confirmed the drug’s compatibility with breastfeeding , but my endocrinologist advises me against continuing to breastfeed because, in his opinion, breastfeeding damages the thyroid in a case like mine.

However, now being hypothyroid, I asked if it makes sense to stop breastfeeding right now and he contradicted himself several times in his response, finally saying that he doesn’t believe in breastfeeding. I therefore ask you if you too, in a case like mine, would advise against continuing to breastfeed for my sake. Unlike that doctor, I believe in breastfeeding a lot.

A thousand thanks

Dear Madam,
hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine is compatible with breastfeeding.
Furthermore, breastfeeding does not harm her thyroid. Hypothyroidism came on
because her autoimmune disease was advanced, it could have happened at any other time.
Breastfeeding was a coincidence.
My advice is to continue breastfeeding your baby as long
as necessary without causing any problems.

Best regards
Dr. Isabella Negro

---

Hi, I’ve been a mom for 4 months and I’m exclusively breastfeeding. I suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to date with normal hormone dosages. I was feeling strange these days and I discovered that I have hyperthyroidism with fT4 at 31. While waiting for the endocrinological visit, I was wondering: can I breastfeed without fear of passing these hormones on to my baby? Could this thyroiditis be temporary? Can I avoid taking medications and monitor the situation through withdrawals? Thank you

Dear Madam,
a part of the hormones will pass into your baby’s milk, but a non-significant amount can therefore continue until the visit.
I doubt that with an FT4 like this they will leave her without therapy (obviously a visit and complete exams are needed to decide).
In case it is necessary, it will be decided whether or not she will be able to breastfeed based on how much drug is needed.
In fact, if they give her only 1 capsule of thyrostatic to take, she can take it immediately after the feed
after which the child remains fasting longer.
For example, if the child eats at 8 in the morning and then 3-4 hours pass until the next feed, this is a good time to take it.