HRT & thyroid tests

[Nancyf]

Hi there new to the community.

I hoping that I might be able to get one advice regarding thyroid testing... I've been in HRT for the last 12 years so to a surgically induced hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Over the past 2 years I have become increasingly more fatigued (the first thing I think about on a morning is bedtime!) I also have been loosing my hair (I went grey early starting at 19) my nails are ridged & peeling. I have sore joints, trouble sleeping through (I wake at least 3 times a night) my hands and feet are cold all the time and just feel dreadful most of the time.

I had thyroid tests done but have been told all the results are 'within range' now my question is would taking HRT affect the test results?

Many thanks in advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Nancyf If you post your results, with reference ranges, members can comment. Just because it says 'in range' doesn't mean they're in a good place! If your TSH is high and FT4 and FT3 low then your thyroid will be struggling. Also, testing thyroid antibodies will complete the picture, without them being tested you wont know if you might have autoimmune thyroid disease.

Vitamin and mineral levels are also crucial, so ask for these to be tested

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[Cmat]

Hi, I'm doing IVF and when I was down regging (no hormones as they were being blocked by pituitary) my TSH went down to 1.15 and I had insomnia and palpitations, but in just 2-3 weeks later when I was on the ovarian stimulation drugs (similar to HRT) my TSH went up to 3.9. Similar happened on a previous cycle. So yes hormones definitely affected my thyroid and I got really fatigued. For fertility the TSH should be under 2.5 so after lots of liaising with endocrinologist, GP and fertility clinic they advised to increase my dose from 75 mcg to 100mcg of levothyroxine.

I also know that some people feel fatigue at different TSH levels to others so worth collecting your lab results and writing on them how you were feeling at the time to work out your 'sweet spot'.