Menopause

[JacqS71]

Good morning

I am menopausal. No period for 10months and so may even have gone through it. I have been reading a lot about needing less thyroxine? I take T4 and T3. My TSH is always supressed so it’s hard to know. T4 is towards top and I struggle to get T3 to mid range.

Does anyone have advice regarding menopause and thyroxine need?

Thanks Jacqui

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Hi JacqS71, as you are still in peri menopause until you haven’t had a period for 12 months, there is still a little way to go.

I’m in peri menopause too but have only ‘tweaked’ my dose. I’ve reduced Levo once slightly when I experienced some ‘hyper’ symptoms and T4 was slightly over range. I posted about this & followed forum advice to cut back a little on Levo. Like others suggested, I found that this was a temporary phase and I needed to add more after a few weeks. I test regularly using a private lab, just to keep an eye on levels. I only increase or reduce Levo slowly (in x 12.5mcg). When I was slightly over range I was on 125 T4/ 10 T3 and I’m currently on 112.5 T4/ 10 T3 and luckily my endo is fine about TSH being suppressed.

We are all different & thyroid medication & menopause affects us all in different ways.

Very best wishes to you.

[greygoose]

Even after the menopause, you still dose by symptoms backed up by labs - FT4 and FT3, NOT TSH. Just because your menopausal doesn't mean you suddenly have to reduce your levo. You still need what you need and no less.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

JacqS71

I agree with Greygoose. I never found any difference and didn't need to adjust my dose based on peri or post menopause. You need what you need whatever stage of your life you are at.