Can an Hysterectomy affect the thyroid?

[Harthill42]

A happy New Year to all

My friend has suggested that her Thyroid stopped functioning within 12 months after removal of her ovaries 20 years ago

Is this related ?

She says the ovaries are the powerhouse of the endocrine system?

I thought it would be the reproductive system?

Not looking for right or wrong but is there a connection ?

[humanbean]

I can only give anecdotal comments. Within a very short time after my hysterectomy I found myself becoming physically much weaker and very much more tired than I was before - and I was pretty tired before the op anyway. I was physically extremely strong before being gutted. One of the first things I noticed was that my grip and hand strength diminished very, very quickly. I also found that my memory and stamina started to fade, and my memory in particular had been very, very good.

I couldn't tell you if my thyroid deteriorated. I had already been told it was "borderline underactive" about five years before my hysterectomy. It was many years before it was tested again, and I wasn't even told it had been tested because it was still considered to be "borderline" or "subclinical hypothyroidism" so no treatment was required.

I couldn't tolerate HRT so that may have been responsible for me feeling that I aged 25 years practically overnight after my surgery.

[Harthill42 in reply to humanbean]

Thank you for your response, this is very much appreciated.

[BadHare in reply to humanbean]

My BF wasn't warned about the effects of not taking HRT after an early hysterectomy to "prevent" endometriosis, & wasn't offered a type that might suit her better. She developed osteopenia soon after, then Graves with RAI treatment that seemed to do a lot of long term damage including PA.

[humanbean in reply to BadHare]

The surgeon and doctors tried to get me to take HRT on several occasions, using patches, pills and creams at various doses but I just couldn't tolerate it at all. I knew it was very bad for me to have no female hormones from such a young age but there was nothing I could do about it.

I will develop osteoporosis (if I don't already have it) and I have a family history of it, so I'm doomed.

[BadHare in reply to humanbean]

I don’t think there were as many choices years ago. My friend just couldn’t tolerate what was offered & they gave no alternative or information re bone health.

I started HRT the year before thyroid hormones. I take one my friend’s gynae sister recommended & used herself. I wish I’d had both decades sooner!

I tried bio identical which didn’t work well, & now my good stuff has been discontinued. I fall a lot, & fear fractures if my bone health becomes poor, or murder if I don’t get good HRT!

[humanbean in reply to BadHare]

I fall a lot too these days and worry about broken bones.

[BadHare in reply to humanbean]

Getting old is c**p! 🤬

[humanbean in reply to BadHare]

Yes it is. About two weeks ago I was rushing down the stairs to open the door to a delivery driver. I was wearing woolly socks (no grip) and was rushing down wooden stairs with no carpet (also no grip). About half way down I slipped and fell all the way to the bottom.

I am currently sporting magnificent bruises on one thigh, one elbow, and four toes on one foot.

Several weeks before Christmas I fell over out on the street by tripping over a kerb. Because I was carrying Christmas shopping I couldn't save myself. I managed to turn my head to avoid breaking my nose, but I smacked one cheekbone on the tarmac. I also severely bruised one hand, and I think that I might have broken a bone in one finger because it is still sore even after all this time. But I didn't bother going for an x-ray.

I've also become accident-prone and clumsy while in the kitchen. I've cut my hands while preparing food over and over again. And I've started breaking things which is very irritating!

[Harthill42 in reply to humanbean]

Oh dear poor you.

I hope you stay accident free xx

[BadHare in reply to humanbean]

I think we’re twins!

I was picked up by a man on crutches a few years ago. After nearly 40 years of ankle twisting & falling which I blamed on hockey injuries from school, an MRI flaggeed up a loose ligament below my ankle. Orthotic insoles from podiatry/biomechanics helps balance a lot though I still have incidents as my left side has spinal nerve damage & goes numb. My hands are heading the same way which is getting expensive for crockery.

Amended as my fingers & presumptive text weren't even making sense to me. I blame the drugs...

[BadHare]

Our endocrine system is closed, which means an imbalance of any hormone can scupper others from working effectively.

I thought this was an interesting read: thyroidnation.com/hormones-...

Also diogenes post from a while ago: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Harthill42 in reply to BadHare]

Thank you 🙏

[BadHare in reply to Harthill42]

You're welcome!

We need to know these things. Doctors whip bits out & don't know, warn us, or care about the consequences as it becomes another GP or consultant's problem.

[knitwitty]

I've always wondered if having a general anaesthetic and having a tube down your throat could have any effect on your thyroid, just a thought!

[BadHare in reply to knitwitty]

General anaesthetics zapp B12. The gas an effect in our cellular & nervous system. A tube down the throat is bound to cause some trauma, hopefully only temporary.

[knitwitty in reply to BadHare]

Thank you.

[Harthill42]

Wow, that’s scary 🇺🇸. Thank you for your response.

[BadHare]

That’s totally insane, & I hope a practice that won’t be heading our way! We need a more holistic approach to health issues , & that includes doctors warning us if any potential side effects of surgery & medication.