Struggling with Premenstrual Symptoms & Hypothyroidism

[CoffeeLover00]

Apart from the standard advice, is there any way to manage PMS? Is there a link between the severity of PMS and hypothyroidism?

I've always had irregular periods, even before I developed Hypo. I'd always have to miss 1-2 days of school at the start of my cycle due to the severity of the symptoms. I went on the contraceptive pill when I turned 18 primarily to stop my period, so there would be no disruption at uni, but also for contraceptive purposes.

I stopped taking the pill at the start of the pandemic to give my body a break. It took a few months for everything to regulate. Before the pill, my only PMS symptoms were acne and mood swings. Now I get severe cramps, fatigue, my anxiety/depression worsens, cravings, lower back pain, bloating and difficulties concentrating etc. It's debilitating, especially with the hypo-related fatigue etc. My cycle is irregular, as expected with Hypo, and so are my symptoms. It varies from a week to a month. It’s impacting my ability to do uni work and general day-to-day things. I’ve had a blood test for PCOS which came back all clear, and I don’t think it could be anything like endometriosis. Without diagnosing myself, I suppose it’s Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)? I could be wrong.

I’m contemplating getting the copper coil for contraceptive purposes. I have no idea how it’ll impact everything; I want to find a way of easing how I feel before I have it fitted, as I have no idea how it’ll affect me.

I apologise if this is deemed as irrelevant for this group. I’m still fairly new. I assumed it would be relevant as irregular periods are associated with hypothyroidism. I’m skeptical about going to the GP before trying to sort it myself as I imagine I’ll be advised to go back on the pill.

Any advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I would definitely talk with your GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner as there are several options that can ease PMS symptoms, including the coil or contraceptive pill.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

How long on this dose

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

What were your most recent thyroid and vitamin results

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

With heavy periods likely to be low in iron/ferritin

GP should do full iron panel test for anaemia …..have they?

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I'm long past the age of worrying about periods, thankfully, one of the few advantages of getting older 😁. I've heard the Depo jab stops periods altogether and many like the Mirena coil, as it has hormones in that make periods lighter or non existent.

I didn't get on with it personally but many really rate it. Evening primrose oil or starflower oil is something many women use to help with PMS symptoms.

[Sparklingsunshine]

There was an interesting article in the Guardian online yesterday about periods, the comments were very informative, apparently some doctors prescribe low dose Sertraline for severe PMS with good results.

[Alanna012]

I would look into progesterone cream. The pill contains progestin which is different from progesterone.

I am currently using Natpro, been using it 2 months and usually have horrible crampy periods, this time no pain whatsoever.

Lots of information here:

progesteronetherapy.com/nat...

They also have a forum apparently, although I've not tried it