Hypothyroid and PCOS?

[Jenny1]

Since becoming hypothyroid and putting on weight and struggling to lose it my FSH:LH ratio has become 3:1. My GP says this points to PCOS and is doing some more bloods. Anyone else with this combo?

[Heloise]

youtube.com/watch?v=UMa_8oh...(Not working as expected?)

youtube.com/watch?v=HPm-zg7...(Not working as expected?)

This doctor mentions PCOS in these short videos. Maybe something helpful in them for you.

[sky00 in reply to Heloise]

when i play these videos ---i keep getting Trojan horse backdoor.agent.AWKG haali any ideas why???

[Heloise in reply to sky00]

Hi sky, no, I don't know why. I have played all of them several times

but I do have a good virus control and have never had a report after a scan. They are YouTube videos whether that has anything to do with it. Would giving the link instead, make a difference?

No one else has mentioned it to me.

[sky00 in reply to Heloise]

i have saved and renamed them and that seems to have solved the issue... very informative videos esp.when it all gets down to inflammation as a possible root cause...

[Heloise in reply to sky00]

I'm glad to hear that. Yes, inflammation. Glucose is another troublemaker. He has suggestions but I would like to find someone in functional medicine for specific treatment.

[Dee1]

Yes I have this combination and they are linked. I seem to avoid the PCOS symptoms by keeping my weight low and do this with a low carbohydrate diet. It took me a long time to find out what worked for me.

[DrAlyssa]

Hi Jenny1 Yes, the two conditions can be linked, around a 1/4 of women with cystic ovaries have the autoimmune form, Hashimoto's. Do you know if you have Hashimoto's? But low thyroid can also interfere with ovulation. It also depends on what form of cystic of ovaries you have, not everyone has problems with insulin as part of the full blown syndrome that is more likely to cause problems with weight.

There are successful natural ways of managing the cystic ovaries as well as bringing more success to managing your thyroid issue. If you are offered the Pill to manage the cystic ovaries this will interfere with your thyroid medication so further steps will need to be taken there. Looking at FSH/LH is a useful indicator but it's an indirect view of the actual hormonal influences that are affecting you. Sorry this is a bit rambling, I hope you find the info useful. See what your next bloods are and your doc's recommendation. It's usually the Pill for a simple approach but if insulin resistance is part of the problem you may be offered metformin (the diabetes drug). Best wishes,

[Trudes]

Yes i have this combo but struggle taking metformin as it gives me awful diahorrea (but i admit it helps keep the weight stable).

[sky00 in reply to Trudes]

just curious have they tried giving you the slow release metformin--Bolamyn SR 500mg prolonged release, it made all the diff to me esp.with stomach etc.. perhaps worth a go if you haven't already...

[Trudes in reply to sky00]

Wow I am so grateful for your reply; i last had metformin 5 years ago and was taken off it when i was pregnant. Notbsire the slow release was available then. But have booked an appointment with my GP today to see if I can give it a try

[sky00 in reply to Trudes]

glad 2 help..

[mountaingoat83]

Hi Jenny, I was on the pill from the age of 16 until I came off it in January this year aged 29. I went on it originally for teenage acne, and just stayed on it. I decided to come off it and get a copper coil, as I thought I'd been taking synthetic hormones for long enough. I started to get some odd symptoms after stopping it, so I went to the doc in March and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. We're still trying to get my levo dosage right (currently 75mcg and not feeling too bad), but I haven't had a period since my last pill-induced one. Blood tests have shown high testosterone and FSH/LH out of whack. I also have worse skin now (but round my chin and neck, different to teenage acne) and hair in unwanted places! The doc says it's PCOS, but apart from having bad skin as a teenager I never had any other problems, so I feel like it's too much of a coincidence. I also tested negative for insulin resistance. I keep hoping that when my levo dose is right, things will sort themselves out, but I don't know if that's the case. I don't know if that's really any help, but just thought I'd share my experience.

Hope you get some answers,

Emma x

[moomy]

I have PCOS and insulin resistance and am hypothyroid on 150 Thyroxine. I take 3 x 500 metformin each day to control the insulin resistance and do my best to keep my weight down although this is a constant struggle. I also had a full hysterectomy age 40 and have been taking high dose HRT for the last 10 years. Not sure if any of this helps but good luck

[Jenny1]

Thanks so much to you all!.I do have Hashimotos. My level is actually 4:1. I am going to an endo next week. Hope they don't suggest the pill as I do not want to take it. Got my other bloods done today so now have to see what they reveal!.

[mountaingoat83 in reply to Jenny1]

Hi Jenny, I would be interested to know how you get on with your endo, if you don't mind sharing. I'm still trying to persuade my GP to refer me, but meanwhile I'm confused about other possible treatments as I really don't want to go on the pill either - I feel it's like sticking a plaster on rather than healing the wound. Hope your appointment goes well, Emma

[Jenny1]

Hi Emma,

I certainly will let you know. I'm so nervous about the appointment as I have been to some many Docs at this stage with no help. I am going private even tho can't really afford it but my public appt was a joke. Had a dreadful wannabe endo. Keeping my fingers crossed for some answers!.

[Cee123]

Hi I know im 10 months late in replying but I am in the same situation now. Did you manage to find a private doctor Emma? If so, how did it go, did you get some answers? Im really fed up at the mo, I have low thyroid and on armour thyroid. I have huge issues with my weight, acne and hair loss and excess hair in unwanted places. Ive had 2 scans over the last 10 years which haven't shown up cystic ovaries however, my doctor believes I do have the syndrome. Basically, I am seeing a dermatologist and an endocrinologist soon after. I have never had a full hormone profile carried out before and was wondering what tests to ask for? I know testosterone and fsh/lh and progesterone but what else should I be having tested? Im fed up with not feeling well and I really want to try spironolactone as I believe it will help with my horrid acne but ive been told I wont be prescribed it on the nhs as its for people with heart conditions. xx

[JadeJ]

To be honest my doctor hasn't even given me my ratios she just tells me i am in normal range but i have both hypo and PCOS! xx