Gynaecology and hypothyroidism...

[Adalia]

Hello there,

Doing okay now on 100mcg Levothyroxine since diagnosis on 12th May. A bit low in mood - but I have come to feel used to it. So hard to know what is causing what anyway; as a parent of three children under five I know that there is an argument for being perpetually tired and low because life is just full on sometimes and that's the season I'm in! So not too sure whether thyroid can be responsible for that. Levels are all back within normal range (T4 and TSH). Also still get pins and needles in one hand especially, although in my toes it has settled down.

Anyway! What I really wanted to ask about was whether anyone has experience of new gynaecological symptoms alongside thyroiditis diagnosis?

I am 33 and have regular menstrual cycles. They are heavy and last about six days. 30/31 day cycle and always on time. I experienced a couple of months of mid cycle spotting, prior to hypothyroid diagnosis, and then last month (so since being treated) I had a full on mid-cycle bleed, lasting about nine days, on top of my regular period. I have also been experiencing daily pelvic pain now for some time. Sometimes a deep pelvic pain, cebtralisidrd and low down, radiating through to my lower back; sometimes a stabbing pain on either side where my ovaries are.

A scan revealed that I had polycystic ovaries. Nothing remarkable about them, just strange to have never had these noticed before, given I have had four pregnancies and multiple scans. So is this a new development and thyroid related, I wonder?

What about the bleeding? And the pain? Can that be thyroid related? And, if so, why hasn't it settled down now that my thyroid levels are back within their normal range?

I did see a gynaecologist at last week (referral from GP) and his hope is that as the thyroid has been managed for a longer period of time we will see the pelvic symptoms settle, so am seeing him again in four months and keeping a pain and bleeding diary in the mean time. He thinks it is no coincidence that the two sets of symptoms roughly coincide...

So my question to you really is whether any of you have had such an experience and, if so, how things went for you? Did the gynaecological stuff eventually settle down and sort itself out? If not, what other avenues did you explore? Are the two things definitely linked, do you think?

Any thoughts and/or experience most welcome.

Thank you,

Adalia

[Adalia]

Thanks for taking time to offer feedback

[shaws Administrator]

I shall give you some links which will be helpful. Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and you can post if you have queries.

Blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test. This gives a better result as TSH (which doctors only seem to look at) is from the pituitary gland and lowers throughout the day.

Female problems are rife in hypo, as well as fertility and menstrual as it affects the whole body from top to toe.

PCOS can be relieved with thyroid hormone replacement as well. I don't have a link but I can give you copy of a print-out.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Ask GP to test B12, Vit D,iron, ferritin and folate.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges and put on a new post if you require help.

[Adalia in reply to shaws]

Thanks ever so much