This is a question for the ladies (sorry)

[Rosie2m]

Hi guys,

Does anyone else find that the week before their period is due that their symptoms are increased? The last 2 months I have felt absolutely awful the week leading up to my period! I don’t know how to overcome it or if it’s possible but I’d like to if I can 🤣 Tia xx

[jsy_girl]

Yes I get incredibly tired and my brain fog is insane - to the point I have to stop working. Day 2 of my cycle and it’s like I have a boost of energy

[Rosie2m in reply to jsy_girl]

I guess it’s where the levo is to keep our bodies at a standard level but obviously our levels fluctuate around that time so the treatment level isn’t adequate. I’m not quite sure if there’s a way to over come it or if self medicating maybe the week before or something is the answer lol! All I know is I’m fed up of it already lol. Glad I’m not alone though xx

[jsy_girl in reply to Rosie2m]

I am currently not at the right level but it’s an interesting thought that we might need more during that week. I’ve always just thought it was PMS but tbh it would explain a lot if I just needed a boost of thyroxine that week. I mean I often describe that week as having a black cloud following me. It makes me really depressed.

You’re def not alone!

[Rosie2m in reply to jsy_girl]

I’m also not at the right level and it’s only that I’ve recently started logging symptoms that I’ve noticed a pattern. Whilst I generally don’t feel 💯 my symptoms are definitely heightened the week before my period is due. For me this is something that I’ve only suffered since my thyroid condition has worsened so I can’t think it would be anything else causing it. Maybe when our levels are at a good level we won’t suffer so noticeably x

[Kisca]

Hello 😀

Have you tried natural progesterone cream....Google it you will be amazed at the results.

I suffer from pmdd and this has helped.

Your welcome to private message me xx

[Rosie2m in reply to Kisca]

Hi Kisca,

I have looked at this before, however given how many symptoms I already suffer due to my thyroid and seeing the potential side effects of the cream I decided against trying it. I’m glad it has helped for you and Thankyou for suggesting it tho x

[bookish]

Yes, for the last 20 years I have noticed that the pain and symptoms of anything that I have will be increased, be it back pain, migraines, swelling, muscle and joint pains, fatigue, brain fog....

When oestrogen is higher there are multiple effects in the body. My very basic understanding is that neurotransmitters in nerves and blood vessels need to be in balance - particularly noradrenaline and histamine - and these are strongly influenced by thyroid hormones (T3 and T1AM). Many people notice mast cell degranulation/high histamine issues shortly before a period (flushing, itching, food reactions, blood pressure changes etc.). There seem to be quite a few connections between the thyroid and mast cells (and also between Small Fibre Neuropathy/fibromyalgia, Sjogren's and Dysautonomia - nerve cells and mast cells can trigger each other, hence pain and weird sensations).

Things you can do? If possible, check how well you are breaking down and getting rid of oestrogen, and support as necessary. Magnesium deficiency can cause histamine release. Magnesium supports COMT enzyme function (responsible for dopamine, adrenaline and oestrogen metabolism) helping the liver to clear oestrogen. (And COMT impacts on MTHFR which you also need to be functioning to get a happy liver and detox ability). Stress can trigger histamine release too - magnesium is calming, try meditation or EFT/tapping or whatever you fancy to help you relax. Hypothyroisism tends to hinder your ability to get rid of oestrogen. Links between poor thyroid function (diagnosed or not) and oestrogen have been made for a while - Dr Peatfield's book certainly discusses it although he comes down in favour of supplementary progesterone (as well as thyroid hormone) whereas Datis Kharrazzian ('Why do I still have thyroid symptoms') says that can make it worse. I tried progesterone cream a few years ago on Dr P's advice but after a while started to react to it and stopped. Natural Vit E also helps to balance oestrogen and doesn't have the same side effects (for me, anyway.) Best wishes

[Rosie2m in reply to bookish]

Thanks for your reply bookish. Your basic understanding seems quite in depth compared to mine lol! I’ll definitely have a look into this in more depth, thankyou x

[bookish in reply to Rosie2m]

My pleasure - hope you find something to help! (One 'advantage' of lockdown is a lot of time to try to work out what is going on!!). I use a magnesium oil spray or flakes in the bath etc, helps no end. I also use quercetin as a natural antihistamine when I need it. DK's book is a good read if you are in the mood. Good luck x

[Agent941]

Hi Rosie2m,

I suffered with debilitating chronic pms all my premenopausal life , (I have just retired) . I have been learning (from online )a medical doctor , who is also a lawyer, some healing effects of vitamin c. Boy, do I wish I could go back and try it!! I have watched many of his you tube free presentations. Dr Thomas E Levy.

He pretty much says vitamin c is a cure all. I wasn’t sure how seriously to take his message, except he started to learn about it from his personal experiences and losing a patient that he could have saved, had he known then.... .

My father was a dr. And I agree that it is very difficult for a dr to accept natural healing like using vitamin c as Dr Levy describes. It’s a fear of being laughed at! My dentist confirmed it when I conferenced with him to explore his view on Dr Levy’s conclusion about root canals.

Anyway, in all his many examples of how vitamin c can cure... was pms!!!so I highly recommend investigating it. It may save you years of feminine issues? Good luck!

[bookish in reply to Agent941]

Vit C also helps to reduce levels of histamine in the blood and increases DAO which helps you metabolise it. Very useful stuff, Vitamin C, even if you don't want to go high dose. Unfortunately most of it is corn-based which is problematic for quite a few, me included, but you can get alternatives. Best wishes

[Agent941]

Plus, my father thought it was a thyroid issue.

[Rosie2m in reply to Agent941]

Thanks agent941 that’s actually very interesting! I’ll look into the vitamin c, I did start taking it when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism but i didn’t get on with the one I bought and then just didn’t bother trying another. However I will look into it again x