Thyroid Problem journey and arm implant

[chabie]

hi, i just want to ask. Should my arm implant (implanon) affect my levothyroxine med absoption? Should I remove it or dose up my levo? I was initially diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism with Grave's disease last 2015. I took so many medication for 3 years and when I am fed up with my routine, taking so many med althrough the day and restricted doing things, I opt to underwent Radioactive Iodine Treatment. My nuclear med doc suggested for me to choose to have an underactive thyroid as if I choose normal thyroid, my hyperthyroidism might reoccur and could even be dangerous. He also said that my condition that time is crucial coz I could trigger my hyperthyroidism and could make me collapse anytime leading to death as per the doctor. that time I have tsh result of 0.0000019 i guess while my initial tsh is 0.000000000119. So yeah, I decided to be hypothyroid patient.

Since 2018 I have hypothyroidism, after my treatment, i didn't take any med for 4 months. After 4 month, january 2019 I was given levo and propnolol. I was taking propanolol since my hyperthyroidism stage but I stop and only take it if need be. Since i take levo, somehow everything is smooth, they are some hiccups every now and then until I got pregnant and gave birth. After a year of giving birth, i opt to have an arm implant as I was not ready to have another baby considering my condition and what happen when I gave birth (My baby is fine and healthy but something happen to me at the operating table).

For almost 5 months I was still okay, fluctuating weight loss and gain, insomia, too much headache every now and then, depression and anxiety which can be post partum side effect?. But then, for the past 6 months, I have been struggling with my weight gain. I couldn't lose weight whatever method I do. I have a foggy brain and memory. Headache all through the day, my eyes seems to be blurring and it feels like its always tired. Sluggishness, I always feel exhausted and drained. Gut problem and constipation, my skin is dry and I feel like I have edema. My heart, I have those times that I feel like I can't breathe and my heart is too week to pump oxygen. I don't know how I feel. Sometimes I have that sensation like I am fading and almost lose conciousness. My anxiety and deppression is also worst than ever, I'm even suicidal at my worst times. I have many more symptoms and I don't know if it is caused by hypothyroidism, the arm implant or other things.

Anyway, I have always say this symptoms to my doctor and she always say it's normal and it might just be my body adjusting to motherhood and breastfeeding. She never said anything about the relationship between the arm implant and my levo. If I may say, she is the best doctor I have eversince I have hyperthyroidism among other doctors I have consulted with. I am taking 100mcg levo every morning. I am to take laboratory test this coming week.

[Upanddownlady15]

hello, I cannot offer any medical advice but I am so sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment.

You have a beautiful baby and motherhood can be exhausting. You say you have felt suicidal at times. Have you mentioned this to your doctor? Please remember there is always the Samaritans if you need help and someone to talk to.

However the contraceptive implant. Hormones can cause depression and anxiety. I was once on a contraceptive pill which made my mood very load.

I hope your blood tests will give you some answers.

[chabie in reply to Upanddownlady15]

thank you for your support, it feels good that someone is out there like you who symphatize and understands how I feel. Often times, when I share my few experiences with my thyroid problem, there is always someone who would sneer or don't believe how hard it is just because they are not going through it. Your emotional support means a lot. Thank you

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

hey there, sorry to hear you are having a rough time. When did you last have your thyroid levels (FT3,FT4 and TSH) measured? You could be under medicated as your symptoms could be hypothyroid symptoms.

On birth control - I had to come off at 30, they definitely affected my mental health.

I trialled HRT in my mid 40s and then needed CBT for anxiety and depression.

Optimising vitamins B12, D, Selenium, Magnesium, Folate and Ferritin alongside working up the thyroid hormone doses has had the biggest effect on my mental health.

I started T3 earlier this year, a very small dose, but it works for me. That is helping to reduce those smaller symptoms, I have more energy, clarity of thought etc.

Definitely get yourself to the GP and list all your symptoms. Write them down so you don’t freeze and forget the moment they ask ‘what can I do for you’. See if your local authority has a healthy minds service, it was a 3 month wait but even the triage call was helpful and validated my worries and kept me going. Best call I ever made.

Sending love and hugs. 🌱

[chabie in reply to Regenallotment]

Hi! I am supposed to take my lab test today, my last was 2 months ago and its always just tsh. My doctor doesn't recommend me taking the ft3 and ft4 as it is not significant as per my doctor. As for medication for anxiety and depression, it is uncommon here to be medicated for it unless it is prescribed by doctors in that profession. Moreover, never have I heard the relationship of the vit. D, B12, Selenium, Magnesium Folate and Ferratin to my hypothyroidism until I come across this forum urging me to research on my own. I have always ask my doctor for this symptoms I am experiencing and yet she always responded me with "it is normal". Anyway, thank you for the advice, I will keep it in mind and I am sure to consult my doctor with the vit D, B12, Selenium, Magnesium, Folate and Ferratin.