When should I send for a test?

[KBird01]

Hi everyone. I've been on a bit of a health journey over the last few years, but have now stabilised my B12, Vit D and Ferritin AND started HRT! Yay! I'd actually started to lose weight on the HRT at first. My hair was growing back thicker, etc. But then a couple of months ago:

🔵 My hair started to fall out again

🔵 I put on an unexplained 5lbs within a couple of weeks that I just cannot shift

🔵I was more fatigued and my skin was dry and rough

🔵 Also, I was constantly cold. Husband walking round the house in a t-shirt and I was shivering with a jumper and a fleece blanket!

I sent off for a thyroid test kit from Medichecks, but in the meantime, a lot of the symptoms seem to have dissipated! Is there much point sending in the test right now?

Also is it possible that it could be thyroid and fluctuating so much? Any advice and insights would be welcomed. 😊

Written by

[Buddy195 Administrator]

As a lot of symptoms of peri menopause & hypothyroidism overlap, it’s a tough one to answer KBird01. Im finding it useful to log symptoms on the Balance App by Dr Louise Newsom (menopause doctor).

Since starting HRT I’ve actually found that I don’t need as much Levothyroxine, whilst other members report that they require slightly more (as it can affect absorption). I would definitely test your thyroid privately, as it’s good to keep an eye on levels.

[KBird01 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you. Yes, it's hard to know where to start isn't it? It's just that the HRT had been working wonders. Will the thyroid test show much if I don't have symptoms now? Or should I wait to see if they reappear? Thanks again for all your help on here! 😊

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to KBird01]

I test my levels x 3 year, so I’d test without symptoms & repeat if you experience them again.

[KBird01 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you. I'll get that sent off first thing in the morning! 😊

[Hedgeree in reply to KBird01]

Hi KBird01,

With it being quite late in the week I would leave doing your blood tests until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

This is always recommended on the forum in order that your samples aren't left lingering in the post over the weekend.

Best wishes.

[KBird01 in reply to Hedgeree]

Ah, thank you for the inside knowledge! I will do! 😊

[Hedgeree in reply to KBird01]

I struggle with doing the finger prick tests myself but SeasideSusie gives great advice on how to prepare and do the tests.

Not sure if she's already responded to your post but you can read through other posts if not and find the info that way.

Best wishes.

[KBird01 in reply to Hedgeree]

Thanks Hedgeree. I've done the finger prick ones before and they've been OK thanks. Apart from - how does a teeny little needle prick hurt so much and for so long?! 😆

[Hedgeree in reply to KBird01]

I know..I'm a bit pathetic as it usually involves lots of weeping and wailing and takes me a day to recover!

[SarahJane1471]

My immediate thoughts are try increasing HRT. I had to increase every six months as the symptoms return as your estrogen depletes more. 🤷‍♀️

[KBird01 in reply to SarahJane1471]

Hi and thanks for your reply. Yes, I did wonder at first if it was the HRT, but the dry, rough skin and particularly feeling cold, weren't originally menopause symptoms for me. It was very strange! I know what you mean about the HRT doses though as it's been a bit trial and error at first.