HRT, low white blood cell count & NDT

[Raucous]

I have been having appointments with my GP to try and get an HRT prescription. She wanted a blood test doing first - I have been taking NDT for about 8 years (doing really well on it) and basically my GP didn't understand it, stopped calling me in for blood tests and I haven't been for years.

The blood test, apart from obviously showing almost non-extistant TSH (which I tried to explain to her) showed a low white blood cell count. She seemed reluctant to prescribe HRT and was concentrating on the WBC count.

She requested a repeat blood test and after 2 cancelled appointments I am still waiting to talk to her. It has now been 3 months since I first made an appointment!!

She had previously said she couldn't prescribe oestrogel only patches - which I don't believe - and am going to insist I get the body identical HRT this time.

But does anyone know of whether there is a connection between hypothyroidism and low white blood cell count?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

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

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Raucous in reply to Buddy195]

Yes I have read lots on there and am ready to demand the HRT I want but my question is more about the low white blood cell count and if it is common with Hashimotos - I'm assuming it is autoimmune related ... and I have high levels of TPO & Tg antibodies.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Raucous]

palomahealth.com/learn/hash....

I know there is a link with Hashimotos, but I’m unsure about Low white blood cell count and HRT, so am hoping members with more knowledge in this area can advise.

[Raucous in reply to Buddy195]

I don't think there is any link with HRT - the GP is young and just seems over cautious about prescribing HRT but I've done loads of research and can't see any reason why I shouldn't have it.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Raucous]

I think there is a link between low WBC and autoimmune conditions, which Hashis is. Is your WBC low in range or below range?

[Raucous in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

My neutrophil & basophil counts were both below range

neutrophil - 1.36 (1.5-7.10)

basophil - 0.03 (0.05-0.10)

I don't think I've had them tested in decades though so they may have been like that for years and I don't see why it would be reason to delay prescribing HRT

[radd]

Raucous,

The link is between Hashi and low WBC's.

T- helper (TH-) cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes that recognise foreign particles and pathogens and initiate an immune response. It is these that mistakenly infiltrate the thyroid gland during a Hashi attack and for some people this response might extend to the lymph nodes, resulting in a painful neck, under arms and groin.

We used to read that the immune system simply wore out after years of elevated WBC's fighting an internal raging autoimmune war. However, it is now known that autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and any organ, encourage other autoimmunity and articles now write about (auto)antibodies against the WBC's called anti-neutrophil antibodies resulting in diminished numbers.

It is commonly found if we try removing the triggers that drive our thyroid antibodies and calm the heightened immune response with natural anti-inflammatories, auto antibodies will drop. This may include those involved in other conditions such as RA, sjogrens, Celiac, etc, that share a similar autoimmunity make-up.

[Raucous in reply to radd]

Yes, when I started reading up about Hypothyroidism & did private blood tests I discovered I had very high TG antibodies & elevated TPO. So after reading lots I went gluten free (about 8 years ago) but although my antibodies have dropped they are still above range. I'm not sure what else to do apart from cut all alcohol, dairy etc and stop eating and drinking everything nice

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Raucous]

Taking selenium supplements has been linked with lowered antibodies, dont take more than 200mcg a day as selenium can be toxic in high doses. Antibodies arent harmful and levels will fluctuate.

[radd in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

SS,

TPOAb are known to induce harmful conditions. TGAb less so, hence why they are not considered worthy of testing on NHS.

[Raucous in reply to radd]

well luckily my TPO aren't as high as my TG!

[Raucous in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Ah yes - I bought myself some selenium, then because I take quite a few supplements couldn't remember why I was supposed to be taking it so stopped 🙄... so maybe i will start again!

[radd in reply to Raucous]

We supplement selenium because it is a selenoprotein that helps regulate thyroid hormone by conversion of T4 to T3 through the deiodinase enzymes. These proteins also have antioxidant effects so if you have any thyroid gland left making hormone, selenium will help remove the oxygen free radicals generated during hormone production.

The fact selenium also lowers TPOAb’s is a bonus, and there is also belief it is used by oestrogen and progesterone although I’m not sure in what capacity but studies show its use improves levels/ratios and is suggested before ttc.

[Raucous in reply to radd]

That's interesting - I'll have to do more research!

[Raucous]

Well I finally got my HRT prescription today after conversation with Locum GP!! The repeat blood test showed neutrophils were 2 so in range and basophils still low but she said they don't worry about that.