Early menopause / Hypothyroidism advise on blood test results.

[hb3427]

I have just been told I am in early menopause (at 37), boold results are:

FSH is75

LH 36

I know that an under-active thyroid can cause an early menopause, therefore could this be due to my Thyroid levels. Blood levels:

TSH 3.14 (0.34 - 5.6)

free T4 8.4 (7.5 - 21.1)

From what I have found on the internet this is high TSH and very low FT4 but within the normal range in the UK, although would be out of normal range in the US. I have my next GP appointment this week and want to have informed questions to ask. For reference my TSH was 1.23 in 2006.

I have a 16 month old son who I breast fed for 8-9 months. I got my first period back when he was 7 months, had 3 more periods, which were regular and since then they have just stopped completely, so 7 months now with no period.

My appointment is tomorrow and i'm so confused as to what to ask for / discuss. My sister and niece have under active thyroid and also another niece and my sister have coeliac disease Does anyone have any advice?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi hb. Low ovarian reserve is usually the result of reduced oestrogen which allows the FSH level to rise. This can be a slow process and last a few years, but if the FSH level stays persistently high, then an early menopause is more likely. The reason the FSH rises, is because it is trying to encourage you to put out more oestrogen, the female hormone. Oestrogen is responsible for keeping the FSH level at a normal level between 2 and 10, and unfortunately, once it rises so high it will not come down. Regarding your thyroid levels, if is too low then you may not ovulate normally, which can also lead to difficulty in getting pregnant. You will probably need to have some tablets of levothyroxine to regulate the levels. This would then need to be monitored annually to see that you are receiving the correct dose. Unfortunately, hb I don’t think there is any “magic” solution to your hormone problems. Your consultant may point you towards using an egg donor if you want to have another baby, as your FSH level is very high. This is such an awful blow at your age. I wish you well with your consultation tomorrow. Diane

[hb3427]

Thanks very much for your detailed answer Diane. Unfortunately it's not looking good for me.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to hb3427]

Hi hb. I am really sorry to hear about your dilemma at such a young age. I realise that using your own eggs might not be an option for you given your hormone readings. However, please do explore the possibility of using an egg donor in order to have your much wanted baby. Of course we all want our own complete genetic baby, but using an egg donor would allow you to experience growing your baby, giving birth and also to breastfeed if you want. Perhaps if you could get an appointment with an implications infertility counsellor to talk all this over, maybe it will help with any decision making. Of course, I do wish you both well in whatever you decide to do. Diane