Just wondering. . .I've been on HRT (bioidentical hormones) for 23 years. I went through early menopause at 45 years of age. Recently it occurred to me that is around the same time it was discovered I was hypothyroid. Does the emergence of Hashimoto's frequently coincide with menopause? Also, about 3 years ago I went off of the HRT for a year. The docs are always trying to get me off of them. I went back on them after a year because in one year, I aged about 10. And in addition, my thyroid disease went crazy with my TSH rising to above 14. Do you think going off the HRT contributed to the increased thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's and HRT: Just wondering. . .I've... - Thyroid UK
Hashimoto's and HRT
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Teenarock, puberty, pregnancy and menopause are known triggers for hypothyroidism. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism may cause menstruation to stop and it will often resume, unless menopause is the cause, when thyroid levels are optimal.
I had menopause before <42, long before I developed Hashimoto's. I only took HRT to 'protect bone health' and stopped taking it after a couple of years when it became apparent that risks might outweigh benefits. I certainly didn't feel any better for taking it but symptoms and sweats were very mild and not troubling. I do now have mild osteopenia so I might have been better off continuing HRT. Who knows?
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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
Thanks, Clutter. I've been on HRT for 23 years and I still have osteopenia. So it's not a "cure-all". But I do feel better on it which is why I resist going off. I have no known risks for heart disease so they humor me. My BP is low, I'm not overweight, I've never smoked. I did age terribly when I was off of it for a year. I regret it.
Teenarocks, well you've reassured me that I didn't necessarily make a mistake by quitting HRT. HRT didn't improve my looks at all while I was taking it but it knocked 10 years of my boss at the time. She was glowing in a good way. Mind you she'd fallen in love around the same time so it was possibly a double whammy for her. I think it's the weight loss with Hashi's, thyCa, and Levothyroxine which has aged me
Yes on all counts and hashi's can cause loss of sex hormones too.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto a few months after my hysterectomy and yes there is evidence that menopause is a trigger. I decided not to go down the HRT route because I knew that at some point I'd have to deal with the Menopausal symptoms. I take 75mcg of levothyroxine and eat a paleo diet. I feel loads better and my goitre which was huge has also gone back down in size. I put this down to changing the way I eat. However I still have bad hot flushes etc. I take some supplements and also go for acupuncture and it has helped. I know this doesn't answe your w question directly but hopefully it will give you food for thought regarding alternative ways of managing to two together.
I have the same theory as you! Been on HRT for years as born without ovaries. Endocrine system and all hormones interlinked with autoimmune diseases IMHO