Can anyone help with advice on hypothyroidism and contraception?

[nuggetnet]

From the bit of research I've done, I can see that having an oestrogen based form of contraception is not a good idea if you suffer from hypothyroidism. But does anyone know if a progesterone based one is okay, in particular the slow release pill? Obviously there is the coil/iud but my sister has had a great deal of trouble with this (lots of infections) so I would like to avoid it if at all possible.

I've only just got my medication levels right for me and managed to lose 3 stone plus feel normal again, after a lot of battling and moving to Scotland from England to be registered with my old family doctor again! So, I really don't want anything that will mess up my levels, as I'm sure you can all sympathise :).

If anyone has any advice/experience that would be great :). And thank you very much for your time!

[helen0701]

An inplant might be worth considering, ive used this for the past 18 years with no problems x

[nuggetnet in reply to helen0701]

Hi Helen, had this before I was diagnosed but unfortunately it's oestrogen based

[helen0701]

I think if you google it you will find it is progesterone based

[nuggetnet in reply to helen0701]

I apologise Helen! I had one for 5 years and always thought it was oestregen!

[Hidden]

I had no problems with the implant which is progesterone but I also have no problems with the normal pill. I take it before bed and thyroid meds in morning

[kezza999]

Hi I have a copper coil and I absolutely love it,never had any problems. I think it's only a small amount of people that have problems with it. I personally think it's risky to add unnecessary hormones to your body when you already have a hormonal problem (hypothyroidism). Don't get me wrong some people are fine,but some people really suffer with their hypo symptoms because of it. I just wouldn't take that risk.

[mountaingoat83 in reply to kezza999]

I second this! Not that fun to have 'installed' but I don't even know it's there now and I know it can't affect my thyroid!

[nuggetnet in reply to kezza999]

Thank you! Maybe I'll reconsider the coil as it's probably the only I won't have to worry about hormones with!

[Natalie_Edinburgh]

I discovered that the combined pill caused me to need more thyroxine as my TSH rose to 17 and I put on weight. Perhaps I wouldn't have put on weight if my thyroxine had been increased accordingly. I also suffered chronic thrush at that time as a result. Later I switched to the progesterone only pill which I found better but I also have the feeling it caused me to gain weight. I also happened to lose weight after stopping it. Could be a coincidence? or not. If you do go on the pill get your TSH checked after 2 or so months and keep it below 2.

[nuggetnet in reply to Natalie_Edinburgh]

Thanks Natalie, that's really helpful! I hope you're back to normal now

[nuggetnet]

My partner takes a great deal of responsibility thank you very much. It is my desire to look for a different form of contraception.