Taking HRT

[alfinno]

Hi everyone has anyone been taking kliofen tablets for the menopause and some of there under active symptoms started to come back. I take 31/4grain of thyroid S and 11/4 of T3 tablets but still have some hypo symptoms such as I’m doing things in slow motion no concentration and bad memory . I still have pain in my legs & tiredness. I still had these symptoms before starting the HRT but seem to have got worse since starting it, have any of you had the same experience and would be grateful for any advice. I’m due for a blood test but my previous results were

TSH LEVEL 3.4 mu/L. (0.30-6.00)

Free T4 LEVEL 10.2 pmol/L (10.0-22.0) and would also be a great help in what levels they should be. Thanks again in advance for your help

[Greekchick]

Hi there,

Has your doctor increased your levo and T3 with the start of HRT, as any HRT lowers the effectiveness of your thyroid meds? HRT affects the absorption of thyroid hormone therapy and you will need more of it. You may wish to go back to your doctor to talk to them for an adjustment in dosage.

Hope this is helpful and that you feel better soon. All the best to you.

[alfinno in reply to Greekchick]

Hi thanks for your reply I self medicate with NDT & T3 but my Dr never mentioned about HRT absorbs some of the thyroid meds so I will make another appointment. Thanks for your help

[radd in reply to alfinno]

alfinno

Greekchick is correct. A raise in oestrogen can increase transport proteins that can in turn bind too much thyroid hormone. Hormone has to be cleaved from the protein to become active.

You are taking a fair amount of thyroid meds but even without an FT3 result, it would be fair to say you are still under medicated so need a dose increase.

[alfinno in reply to radd]

Hi radd thanks for your reply . I’ve stopped taking the hrt from yesterday as I didn’t feel any better on it and would sooner try and get myself back to feeling well again on my thyroid meds so il up my t3 to 11/2 tabs tomorrow and see how it goes. Do you think it’s best to add abit more ndt aswell. Thanks again radd

[radd in reply to alfinno]

alfinno

If you are very deficient in oestrogen, it should be supplemented. What about progesterone levels ?

Re thyroid meds dose adjustment - I am cautious with thyroid hormone med doses myself as I function well on low-middle range.

Many equate 1 grain of NDT to 60mcgT4 but the manufacturers state it is the biological equivalent of 100mcg T4. If we use this measure and T3 as the ratio of 3:1, it means you are already medicating the equivalent of roughly 400mcg T4.

I know I previously suggested a dose raise because your TSH is high and FT4 is low, but even taking into account a certain amount bound to the HRT carrier proteins, your labs still don’t reflect the amount you are medicating.

How long after ingesting meds was blood drawn ?

Are you taking meds on an empty stomach with a glass of water ?

I would suggest waiting until after your blood test to make dose adjustments, and ensure to get FT3 done.

[serenfach]

I take Kliofem and am on NDT. I just take the NDT first thing, and the Kliofem at lunch time with my food. Recently there was a problem getting Kliofem and they gave me another HRT which sent everything sideways. I went to see my local chemist and he found some Kliofem for me after taking one look at this mad woman standing in his shop, turning puce.

I did start the Kliofem before my thyroid went west, and they would have to drag if from my cold dead hand now!

I am still a wrinkly old bat, but not a scarlet foaming at the mouth old bat! Good luck for the future and getting the balance right - a continuing balancing act I have found.

[alfinno in reply to serenfach]

Thanks for your reply serenfach & im glad you are fine on both but I did exactly the same as you with my tabs but unfortunately some of my thyroid symptoms returned and I just can’t cope with them coming back again as well