oestrogen hormone prescribed beside levothyroxin - any side effects?

[healthcall]

Hi,

I am 67 years old. I was diagnosed 2 or 3 years ago with hypothyroidism and am presently taking 75 mg levothyroxin a day. Last July, my back imploded (protruding discs between the vertebrae and inflammation around the nerve and the whole lower back in spasm) and a month later I felt a small lump in my groin. My doctor referred me to gynaecology and hree months forward, I was seen by a gynaecologist who could not find any reason for the lump but diagnosed that I had a lack of oestrogen and prescribed me oestrogen. I am hesitant to start taking oestrogen as I am not sure whether it will interfere with the thyroid functions and the levothyroxine. Have you come accross this and what is your advice on this? Are there side effects of taking both?

Thanks in advance

Anne

[Brightness14]

Possibly low vitamins and minerals plus low FT3 and low Vitamins D , i.e. to low a dose of thyroid hormone.

[healthcall in reply to Brightness14]

I think I need to order bloodtests that will measure all these.

[healthcall in reply to healthcall]

thanks for pointing this out

[RedApple Administrator]

healthcall, For members to offer their personal knowledge and experience, please say what form of oestrogen (e.g. patches, tablets, pessaries etc.) and what dose you've been prescribed?

[healthcall in reply to RedApple]

hi RedApple, yes thanks for pointing this out. So I am prescribed Estradiol 10 micrograms vaginal tablets to take daily for a month, besides Diprobase advanced eczema cream to use in the labia??? (1) My first question is wether and how this will interfere with my hypthyroid meds ? My GP upped my levothyroxine intake from 50 to 75 mg daily afyer seeing the bloodtresults, around the same time that I saw the gynaecologist. (2) I did not see any 'internal use' on the pumpbottle of this eczema cream, which made me a bit unsure about using this. (3) I was told to use water minimally in order for the skin between the labia and the vagina not to dry out, and only an antimicrobial shower emollient to wash myself - as water would have a dishydrating effect??? . As I have not used any of these products ever, I am a bit hesitant.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to healthcall]

Vaginal tablets/pessaries should not 'interfere' with your actual thyroid meds as such, because they are a) absorbed very locally and transdermaly (through the skin) and b) very low dose oestrogen.

I've seen some suggestion that higher doses of oestrogen (via patches, oral tablets etc.) can affect thyroid levels, maybe meaning a change in dose of levothyroxine at some point when things are stabilsed from the introduction of oestrogen theray. But that's less likely to apply to you with these low dose pessaries.

'to take daily for a month'

Be aware that you may get some unpleasant symtoms once you start using these. Hives/itchy red patches are typical, as is tummy bloating. This should settle in time, once your body gets used to the sudden introduction of the supplemental oestrogen hormone.

I hope your GP doesn't think that will be all you need. VA doesn't go away, so you'll need to use these pessaries forever. Not necessarily every day, but most likely several times a week.

I can't comment on the Diprobase advanced eczema cream as I've not heard of this being used for this purpose. But again, it is a transdermal (on and/or through the skin) application, not oral (by mouth) so is unlikely to affect your thyroid medication.

'My GP upped my levothyroxine intake from 50 to 75 mg daily afyer seeing the bloodtresults, around the same time that I saw the gynaecologist.'

Being on such a low dose of levothyroxine, may have accelerated the atrophy, so it's good that you've had this increase in thyroid medication. Be sure to get another thyroid test done once you've been on the increased levothyroxine dose for at least four weeks.

If you'd like opinions on your recent thyroid test result, do start a new post with the full test details (i.e. Your results together with the accompanying lab ranges).

Article about the importance of treating VA medscape.com/viewarticle/99...

[healthcall in reply to RedApple]

Thank you very much RedApple. That is very helpful.

[RedApple Administrator]

healthcall, Quite a few members here do have experience with taking oestrogen alongside their thyroid medication, so please do give a little more information so that members can help with your concern.

[Popscicle]

if oestrogen is taken as a tablet it binds with thyroid binding globulin and decreases the amount of thyroid hormone available. You would therefore Hv to increase your dose of thyroxine but check bloods first. Transdermal oestrogen does not affect thyroid hormone levels. If u still Hv a womb you need to take a progesterone with the oestrogen.