Impact of Progesterone on Hyperthyroid

[Crabb]

I recently had the Nexplanon implant fitted (progestogen-only contraceptive implant); I asked my Endo whether this was ok and was told it should not interfere.

However, I came across some interesting research on the impact of progesterone on Thyroid Function and Autoimmune Diseases.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

webmd.com/women/news/200106...

From what I read here and in other articles, it appears that for those who are Hypothyroid, progesterone can reduce thyroid hormone absorption and therefore has a negative impact. Whilst there was limited research on the impact for those who are Hyperthyroid, that which I did find, seemed to suggest that progesterone could be beneficial. Although there was one reported case, where someone who stopped taking progesterone developed Graves' disease.

It's early days for me and I will keep you updated, but it would be great to hear from others (particularly those who are Hyperthyroid) who have taken progesterone.

[Crabb]

So far so good, I've actually been feeling better than normal, with fewer headaches and slightly more energy. Hard to say whether it's the progesterone, but I usually have headaches at least 4-5 times a week, and only had 1-2 in the last fortnight.

[Peacefulpear in reply to Crabb]

Hi. How are you feeling ? I developed graves disease after nexplanon. Contemplating bio identicle progesterone. Did nexplanon help your graves disease ?

[Crabb in reply to Peacefulpear]

Unfortunately, my headaches came back around March time and are now frequent again. They seem to be worse for a couple of days once a month (sometimes debilitating), although since having the nexplanon implant I haven’t had periods at all. I’ve heard from others with Graves that symptoms seem to get worse around their periods. I’m now considering getting it removed, as it could be contributing to the headaches. Although I’m worried that removing it could throw my hormones off balance and worsen my Graves (right now I’m on 2.5mg of Carbimazole and generally ok). It’s so hard to know what to do.

[MichelleHarris]

Thank you for posting this. I got Shingles after GP started me on HRT. I did tell him that I had never taken oral contraceptive but had tried a Mirena once with a very bad reaction causing a localised Acne Rosacea. I felt very unwell which I now recognise as being hypo and all over body rash. My body expelled the Mirena after 8 weeks and the sore on my face healed immediately. I thought it was going to be a permanent scar it was so bad. Now years later and post menopausal he told me its a different progesterone. Week after starting it, I got Shingles and didnt recover. Few weeks later diagnosed with Subclincal Hypothyroidism which deteriorated very quickly to full blown Hypo and still Hypo on 125 Levothyroxine and poorly. I am looking at all avenues to get well and considering this now. Of course could be coincidence x

[Crabb]

Yes, I’ve certainly come across some papers suggesting nexplanon can trigger Graves. My feeling is that the endocrine system is so sensitive that any hormone imbalance can either bring on Graves or make existing symptoms worse. I also think some people are more sensitive to these hormone imbalances than others. For example I suffered terribly with hyperemisis gravidarum when I had both my kids.