When we have an ache or pain, many of us reach for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin, or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). But is this safe for your thyroid? A study was carried out to determine the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on thyroid tests.
The NSAIDs tested were aspirin, salsalate, meclofenamate, ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin. Twenty-five healthy subjects underwent a single-dose study and/or a one week study. Total and free thyroid hormones and TSH were analyzed over an eight hour period after a single dose and daily in the one week study.
Administration of ibuprofen (i.e., Advil, Motrin), naproxen, or indomethacin of either a single dose or for one week did not change the levels of any of the hormones measured. Various total and free thyroid hormone measurements were decreased by single doses of aspirin and salsalate and increased by meclofenamate.
Treatment for one week with aspirin or salsalate decreased total T4, free T4 (salsalate only), total T3, free T3, and TSH. Thus, this study confirms that aspirin, salsalate, and meclofenamate affect total and free thyroid hormone measurements.
It also demonstrated that three NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin) do not alter thyroid tests. During the acute (one dose) and on week administration of these NSAIDs TSH levels remained with the normal range.
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Variable Effects of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents on Thyroid Test Results, M. H. Samuels, K. Pillote, D. Asher and J. C. Nelson, Vol. 88, No. 12 5710-5716 December, 2003
Administration of ibuprofen (i.e., Advil, Motrin), naproxen, or indomethacin of either a single dose or for one week did not change the levels of any of the hormones measured. Various total and free thyroid hormone measurements were decreased by single doses of aspirin and salsalate and increased by meclofenamate.
Treatment for one week with aspirin or salsalate decreased total T4, free T4 (salsalate only), total T3, free T3, and TSH. Thus, this study confirms that aspirin, salsalate, and meclofenamate affect total and free thyroid hormone measurements.
It also demonstrated that three NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin) do not alter thyroid tests. During the acute (one dose) and on week administration of these NSAIDs TSH levels remained with the normal range.
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Variable Effects of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents on Thyroid Test Results, M. H. Samuels, K. Pillote, D. Asher and J. C. Nelson, Vol. 88, No. 12 5710-5716 December, 2003
This is very interesting information. Since being diagnosed with hashi’s a couple years ago, I wonder if persistent usage of nsaids could have been the cause or if taking anything for tooth pain (currently) could harm me or cause issues. My tsh is at 8 right now and I’m awaiting another round of tests to meet with doc to start on Armour. Tried synthroid last year and it made me manic (10mcg only) so I stopped. Wish me luck and thanks for all the articles you publish. Very timely. Wish I could say the same for most of the shameful medical community and especially out of touch and outdated endo’s.
Interesting, however is does not address long term usage of these medications and thyroid diseases/conditions. A 1 week trial and not showing any effects on test results seems hardly a test
It hardly accounts as a test also because the subjects were all healthy.
I would be interested to know how those medications affect thyroid of those of us who already have thyroid problems (as I am dead sure that naproxen for example does indeed affect to thyroid function when you already have a faulty thyroid).
I can tell you from first hand experience. I have both hypo and hyper. I had my gums grafted a week ago. I have been on tylenol and advil reguarly with codene tylenol at night to deal with the pain. Despite not eating much for a week and taking all these meds. I have gained weight and sleep more. Im cold and feel like a big slug. ugh! I stopped as much of it as I could tolerate. My skin is dry and my nail skin is thickening up and seperating. Ewww. Thyroid thyroid. (I have graves and Hashi)
There is no way that you are both hyper and hypo.
I have been on thyroid suppression treatment for over 20 years. I can tell you, because I am hyperthyroid on purpose, that taking ANYTHING with aspirin or it’s salicylate namesake causes thyrotoxic symptoms for me. So read the labels on your mouthwash, toothpaste, facial creams/make ups, shampoo, hair conditioner and medications if you are sensitive. You can’t believe where all they put the stuff. Of course this includes any epi/epinephrine pieces as well in life. UGH HATE these pit falls – VERY glad Mary is sharing this information forward – because the doc’s don’t know, don’t seem to care – even my endo’s don’t know half these things til we inform them. Being hyper thyroid “on purpose” isn’t something physicians or dentists really know what to do with.
CyninMn, why are you hyperthyroid on purpose? Are you saying that you keep your levels on the hyper said?? How does that make you feel? I honestly can’t stand the hyper symptoms….I think asprin, ibuprofen etc etc…does affect the thyroid function, I get hyper when taking these meds!! Thank you Mary for having these discussions!!