HRT/Perimenopause and Thyroxine advice

[Trying-To-Juggle]

I had my thyroid removed about three years ago due to Graves Disease and have been just about managing my thyroxine dose since then. I’m in my early 40 s and have noticed that I’m experiencing what I would say are Perimenopause symptoms (although could probably be thyroid related too!!) Poor sleep, change in periods, v v bad headaches etc. I’ve no idea where to start with HRT what to think about and combinations of hormones alongside what is ok to take with thyroxine and how the two may affect each other. Any help much appreciated.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First step is to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing

Ask GP

If they can’t/won’t test more than TSH….test privately

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

When were vitamin levels last tested and what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

On levothyroxine we need OPTIMAL Vitamin levels

As you have Graves’ disease have you had coeliac blood test done

Are you on, or tried strictly gluten free diet

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested.

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially after Graves’ disease

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am and 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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

[SarahJane1471]

SlowDragon is right. Get the thyroid levels checked first and optimum then look up Dr Louise Newson and read up about menopause symptoms. There is a free app called Balance that will give you all the information you need about HRT.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Regarding HRT, as SarahJane1471 advised, it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful for comparing HRT medications & having up to date research articles. There is also an ability to post questions.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[HeartWoman]

I went into surgical menopause about 17 years ago. I absolutely must have estrogen or my mental health rapidly declined. I recently had it increased and now back working on the thyroid! It seems to be a non-ending thing.