A growing number of women blame breast implants for their thyroid problems. More research is needed, but studies indicate there might indeed be an increased risk of new-onset Hashimoto’s in women with silicone implants.
While there is more available data suggesting a positive correlation between breast implants and autoimmune diseases in general, science is only beginning to learn about the relationship between Hashimoto’s disease and silicone. There are, however, studies and reports indicating that there might be a link.
Michelle Visage, known from the show: RuPaul’s Drag Race, recently decided to remove her implants. She suffers from Hashimoto’s, and thinks that the disease could have been caused by her implants.
“If you think about it, your immune system fights off invaders, and the biggest invaders in my body are two giant blobs of silicone,” she told People months after her explant surgery and added: “My autoimmune disease could be triggered by these invaders. So, they needed to come out.”
On Facebook there are discussion groups for women experiencing “breast implant illness”. Several of them have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or have symptoms that they believe are thyroid-related.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently stressed the need for an improved patient communication about breast implants and risks.
Reported symptoms of “breast implant illness”
- joint and muscle pain
- chronic fatigue
- memory and concentration problems
- breathing problems
- sleep disturbance
- rashes and skin problems
- dry mouth and dry eyes
- anxiety
- depression
- headaches
- hair loss
- gastrointestinal problems
