HRT and Levothyroxine

[Sherlock11]

I have been stable on175ugs levo for the last few years, and I have also been taking HRT. I have had to stop the HRT prior to a THR and wondered if this could make a difference to me regarding my thyroid levels. TIA

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Many people need slightly more thyroid medication when taking HRT, but I’ve actually needed slightly less. It may be worth retesting thyroid levels if you stop HRT for a longer time period.

[Sherlock11 in reply to Buddy195]

Thankyou for answering, I'm not sure at the moment if stopping will be temporary or not. If I find the menopause symptoms don't return I may stop completely and so will repeat my TFT's.

[sunbee]

Hello Sherlock11

I suffered from bad depression most days, plus other issues. My doctor suggested I go off HRT, absolutely no pressure from her. I was concerned by the breast cancer worry and I'd been on HRT for awhile so I stopped HRT. My depression lifted immediately, it was a very noticeable difference. I hardly ever suffer from depression now.

So increasing levothyroxine may not always be necessary. For me, HRT was clearly causing most of my depression which was mistaken for thyroid. Other thyroid issues persist but that is another topic.

I hope all goes well for you!