Hashimoto's, levo and more frequent periods

[Manorchimp]

I have been on 50mcg of levo for two months since being diagnosed with hashimoto's. I am 39. My menstrural cycle is usually 25 days but since I started the levo it has suddenly gone down to 20 days. This has happened twice and I am fairly sure it is about to be the same this month. Any ideas? Can levo do this?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes thyroid issues can affect periods

You need bloods retested 6-8 weeks after starting or changing dose of Levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Ask GP to test vitamins along side thyroid levels at your test

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

As you have Hashimoto's low vitamin levels are extremely common

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients