Introduction: We studied the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in females with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and its sequelae on metabolism and cardiovascular risk.
Methods and results: Sixteen women were investigated with (1) morning, evening, and midnight cortisol and adrenocortophic hormone, (2) cortisol after overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, (3) cortisol after corticotropin releasing hormone test, (4) oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin estimations, and (5) ultrasound for carotid intima media thickness. A matched control group underwent similar investigations. None of the parameters was significantly different between patients and controls.
Conclusion: Females with DTC have normal HPA-axis function and similar insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk compared to controls.