Should I increase thyroxine before period due?

[Newmummy82]

Hi,

Quick question for our lady members. My periods aren’t particularly heavy but over the last few months they’ve knocked me for 6.

I’m exhausted, weak and barely functioning. Feel fine for the other 3 weeks. I have a stressful job with long hours and struggle to get enough sleep as I’m up at 5.30am every day.

Last blood tests 2 months ago showed low iron and low haemoglobin and I’ve been supplementing with iron to get my levels up although I imagine they’re still quite low.

My question is will taking a bit of extra thyroxine the week before my period is due help me manage the exhaustion when I start to bleed?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

As it takes 6 weeks for the full effects of a dose change of Levo, I'm not sure it will help.

What are your latest test results for TSH, FT4 and FT3?

If your iron and haemoglobin are low, is your doctor addressing this?

[Newmummy82 in reply to SeasideSusie]

TSH last checked in March was 1.2. F4 and FT 3 checked by medichecks early January were fine although I can’t remember exactly and don’t have access to the results atm, think F4 was around 19 and F3 mid range. Iron and haemoglobin were borderline so dr not treating, I’m self medicating. Definitely too low though as I’m even developing spoon shaped nails.

[BadHare in reply to Newmummy82]

Which form of iron are you taking?

If it's ferrous fumarate which is an industrial byproduct, swap to a different type. Perhaps try sulphate or bisglycinate, or a haem iron form which is better for ferritin. I'm veggie aside from NDT, so avoid the latter & opt for extra dark leafy greens which I don't find to be goitrogenic if I need a boost on top of my daily supplememt. Some TUK members write they've added liver to their diets to improve iron & ferritin levels.

[Newmummy82 in reply to BadHare]

Yes it’s ferrous fumerate, I do feel a better generally since taking it but when my period comes it really knocks me back. Thank you fir the info, i’ll try a different type. I hate liver and really can’t force myself to eat it! I’ve tried!

[BadHare in reply to Newmummy82]

The thought of liver makes me gag, though there's been mention of pills on the forum. It was 6 months into taking NDT before I could touch that without plastic gloves on!

Definitely try a different type of iron as it might be better. I like Floradix tablets, & I'm just trying Ferroglobin liquid as I found a 3 for 2 offer. Both contain some vitamin C & other micronutrients, though I still take it with fruit or salad.

[SilverAvocado in reply to Newmummy82]

Black pudding is nearly as good as liver. Quite filling, but very nice excuse for a cooked breakfast

[SilverAvocado]

Newmummy82, I've had very uncomfortable periods off and on since my thyroidectomy. I haven't looked into it too much, but all these hormones are linked.

I've just started one in the night, and inevitably got hardly any sleep. I've also only just had a dose increase that I'm struggling to settle on. Makes me wonder if the dose increase has a actually made it worse, but I'll have to bear it in mind for a few months.

I am a big believer in calling in sick or otherwise getting adjustments made at work for thyroid illness. Often we will just try to muddle through and behave like a fully able bodied person. But we have a serious illness, and one that is made worse by stress, extra activity, etc.

You mention below that freeT3 is about mid-range, which sounds a bit low. Most people feel better with it in the top third, near the top of the range.