LT4 and oral contraceptives

[Balou23]

I think I am going through perimenopause because of irregular period, dry, irritated eyes and sleepless nights. Symptoms are worse when ovulating and at beginning and end of period.

I am on levothyroxine because half of my thyroid has been removed. So symptoms can also be related to or enhanced by thyroid malfunction.

Can oral contraceptives help to get hormones balanced?

Which can be taken together with levothyroxine??

it is so hard to find information about this topic!!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

All your symptoms may be linked to thyroid medication or key thyroid vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12, vit D) not being optimal. Can you share recent blood test results for TSH, FT4, FT3 with us? Please include ranges, as these can vary between laboratories

Are you currently taking oral contraceptives? If yes, are these taken at a different time of day to thyroid medication?

Re dry eyes, use preservative free eye drops, eg HycoSan or Hyloforte

Re sleep issues; have you tried a magnesium supplement? Taking this early evening helps me relax & unwind.

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

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Balou23 in reply to Buddy195]

Hi, recent blood test results can be found in earlier posts.

According to my endocrinologist I am perfectly healthy, but actually I feel so bad I had to give up my job.

Thanks for the link to the page of Dr Louise Newson! It is very helpful!

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Balou23]

As you increased your thyroid medication since your last test results in October, you will need to repeat thyroid tests (ie 8 weeks after being in the new dose), as  SlowDragon previously suggested. I’m not familiar with thyroid tests via 24hour urine samples (as blood testing is the norm in the UK).

I am so sorry that your health has deteriorated so much that you’ve had to give up work. Unfortunately many endocrinologists appear to know more about diabetes than thyroid health, so you need to become an advocate for your own health.

Have you blood results for key vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D)? Its so important to have these optimal to support thyroid health.

Can you test your thyroid/ vitamins privately in Belgium (ie without needing to do this via your doctor or endocrinologist)?

You also mentioned low aldosterone levels in a previous post. Has this been discussed with your doctor? Low levels can cause low blood pressure, weakness, nausea & palpitations/arrhythmia.

[EclipseMoon]

I take microgynon 5 hours apart from my levothyroxine and haven’t had any issues with that combination.