Do you have breast implants and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism? Or are you thinking of getting breast implants? If so, take note that both silicone and saline can make you sick and may raise the risk of autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Breast implants eventually break down. They can also leak or burst. Or your immune system may simply reject them. In all of these scenarios the immune system may react to the materials fro the implants. This puts the immune system into a hyper zealous state raises inflammation and increases the risk of autoimmunity.
Autoimmunity means the immune system attacks and destroys tissues in the body. This reaction can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
The symptoms of sickness from breast implants vary but often mimic those of autoimmune disease. They include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, memory loss, depression, hair loss, along with symptoms associated with specific autoimmune diseases.
Why breast implants are risky if you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
Regardless of whether they are filled with silicone or saline, breast implants can leak. They also break down eventually. Some don’t notice ill effects, while for others the consequences are merely uncomfortable. For many others, however, the fallout from breast implants have included mysterious and debilitating symptoms, as well as the development of autoimmune disease.
An implant can last as long as 12 years without fracturing; others may develop problems within just a few months. But no implant will remain intact indefinitely.
Mammograms may not always reveal when an implant has ruptured and the pressure from a mammogram may actually rupture or damage the implants.
Possible complications from breast implants
Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. Foreign substances in the body such as breast implants can cause autoimmunity. Sometimes removing the implants will relieve the symptoms, but once autoimmunity is triggered, it can persist and require functional medicine management. This can trigger Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism in a susceptible individual, or exacerbate existing Hashimoto’s. It may also raise the risk of triggering other autoimmune diseases.
Infection. Though saline implants leak less frequently than silicone, they can develop mold and bacteria within the saline solution. It has beleived that when the solution leaks out, it can cause illness and perhaps even endanger a nursing baby. (For more about complications with saline implants, see the FDA’s comprehensive report.)
Cancer. Breast implants can obstruct early detection of breast cancer and leakage from silicone implants are believed to contain cancer-causing chemicals.
Raynaud’s Syndrome. Raynaud’s occurs more frequently in women with implants. This is a condition in which blood circulation is restricted by a narrowing of the small arteries, causing coldness and numbness in the hands and feet.
All of the above factors affect immune balance and function. When it comes to preventing or managing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, it’s important to keep the immune system as stable and healthy as possible.
For more detail about possible complications, see the FDA’s report on Risks of Breast Implants A new type of implant involves injecting fat from a woman’s hips or thighs into her breasts. It is believed to be a safer alternative to silicon or saline, however it is still in the testing phases.
If you suspect a link between your breast implants and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, or if you have Hashimoto’s and are considering breast implants, contact our office.
Functional medicine can balance immunity and help move you towards autoimmune remission.
Contact my office for more information.
How to learn if you have Hashimoto’s low thyroid
Many patients are not diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s until after several years and going through several doctors. It is a demoralizing journey richly illustrated in my book The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimoto’s Low Thyroid Disease, through real-life stories from patients in my practice. Managing Hashimoto’s goes far beyond using thyroid medication as you must work to stop the immune system from attacking the thyroid. For more information on identifying and managing Hashimoto’s low thyroid, contact my office.
About Dr. Josh Redd, Chiropractic Physician — Utah, Arizona, New Mexico functional medicine
Dr. Joshua J. Redd, DC, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, author of The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimoto’s Low Thyroid Disease, is a chiropractic physician and the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness Center with practices in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. He sees patients from around the world who suffer from challenging thyroid disorders, Hashimoto’s disease, and other autoimmune conditions. In addition to his chiropractic degree, Dr. Redd has a BS in Health and Wellness, a BS in Anatomy, and a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He speaks across the nation, teaching physicians about functional blood chemistry, low thyroid, Hashimoto’s, and autoimmunity. You can join his Facebook page here.
