Hashimoto & maybe PCOS: Hello I just wanted to... - Thyroid UK

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Hashimoto & maybe PCOS

Beepi profile image
4 Replies

Hello

I just wanted to get some advice here, I went to see the endocrinologist today and he has put me on Metformin. I didn't really find him very helpful but said my thyroid levels are good t3 t4. My hormone are all good as well except sex hormone blinding globone which is low. My GP said this is to do with my underactive thyroid & nothing to worry about. I'm trying for baby now it is my 3rd cycle and i am still currently trying. Just bit confused in if i should take metformin. I have had no scans done. I have regular periods just always early by 2 till 3 days every month. Never missed a cycle. I'm just worried if i take this I might get everything out of whack again. Please can you give me any advice? Many thanks

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Beepi profile image
Beepi
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4 Replies
MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

Metformin can be used to treat PCOS too, to stimulate ovulation.

Vlove313 profile image
Vlove313

The only reason MDs prescribe metformin— a diabetic drug— is bc many women who have PCOS have it due to insulin resistance. But, not all. I have PCOS and am hypothyroid. I take Armour. I’m currently taking supplements from my naturopath to fix my PCOS.

Saya85 profile image
Saya85

Hi

As the previous comment suggests never take ‘fine’ for an answer.

Always get your test results for thyroid and others to see whEre you are in range

You don’t mention if you have been given thyroxine ? And for how long? It takes 4-6 weeks for a dose to stabilise and then you need retesting.

Doctors may classify tsh< 4.0 as ‘normAl’ but a lot of us feel better when it is closer to 1.0

However When you are trying to conceive your thyroid TSH is suppsed to be below 2.5 (this is according to NiCE medical

Guidelines which NHS generally

Follows )- so your Gp/endo should be aware of that and adjust your dose accordingly. This is because implantation and eRly miscarriage is common in thyroid sufferers as the baby relies on your thyroid hormone especially in first trimester.

I would agree that you need to get your thyroid and any vitamin deficnecies under control first before starting new meds.

Metformin is relatively safe and will help with insulin resistance that is common with PcOS. Did you actually have an ultrasound scan to confirm PCOS? Blood tests alone are not indicative of PCOS, and you may have the syndrome without any ovarian cysts.

However metformin can cause digestive issues and issues with hair falling out in some women so you will want to ease yourself in.

A more safer supplemental alternative that lots of gynaecologists recommend is a combination of inositol and folic acid.

Inositol is found naturally in the body and helps to detoxify the liver and regulate blood sugars and therefore have similr effects to metformin. The brand name is ‘inofolic’ but you can make your own supplement by mixing the two separately.

You are lucky to have regular periods but that doesn’t mean you are Actually ovulating. You may want to text at home with test sticks /thermometer to see if you do indeed ovulate.

If you are not ovulating you will need further testing and referral to gynaecologist as there is no way you will conceive naturally.

However once your hormones/blood sugars and thyroid is under control you may well start to naturally ovulate.

I would take things step by step if you can

Good luck

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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

Couldn't see any recent results on any posts for vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Have they been tested at all, or recently?

Are you supplementing any of these?

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

As also on T3, make sure to take last dose exactly 12 hours prior to test

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