Menopaused. Would starting HRT mean reducing NDT? Has anyone experience of this please?

[Gillybean1]

Hi Everyone,

Still searching to be less housebound and energised. It's another thing to try before I throw in the towel.

Any thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated ,as my TSH continues to decline out of range and T4 andT3 both low in NHS range.

every best wish , G

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Some people report requiring slightly more thyroid medication when commencing HRT, but I actually found I needed less. As many symptoms of perimenopause/ menopause and hypothyroidism overlap, I would suggest adding/ adjusting one medication at once, otherwise it can be difficult to work out which dosage is effective.

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

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Gillybean1 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you Buddy195 for taking the time to reply.

I am already on NDT going on 9 years in various timings,amounts,brands, T3 only etc etc all so far have not allowed a reasonable quality of life. And i did wonder as Dr Newson advocates (ive found her books,knowledge,passion excellent, just wish I found her 10 years ago) getting the HRT balanced before thyroid is less complex way around........that this is why Im still struggling and out of action.

However I am where I am, but interesting to see that yours and AKatieD's experience are opposite, an clear that we have to treat ourselves, back to homeostasis.

Thank you for your support and kindness, every best wish, G.

[AKatieD]

Agree with Buddy195, I needed to increase my thyroid meds after starting HRT.

If your free T3 and T4 are low in range you likely need more thyroid hormones to feel well. Don't worry about TSH when being treated as it does not matter, use the free T3 and free T4 to guide you, along with how you feel.

Hope you can adjust things so that you are feeling better.

[Gillybean1 in reply to AKatieD]

Thank you AKatieD for taking the time to reply.

Yes i feel very undermedicated,but I am not tolerating increase of meds very well at present, with too much domestic stuff in the mix, my adrenals cant cope ...even with 1/8th grain increase.

It was really that ive wondered for a while now , had I had HRT, would I perhaps have needed less thyroid meds overall, and all the mins/vits be better absorbed too.

Dr Louise Newson (menopause -balance ) mentions if possible, getting your HRT in balance first is easier to balance thyroid hormones.

I can see by Buddy195's kind response that you both improved, but with opposite approach.We are all beautifully unique.

Thank you for your kindness, every best wish, G

[AKatieD]

Know what you mean about adrenals as I am trying to sort out my cortisol levels at the moment.

[Gillybean1]

blinking nightmare! Ive got the CAR test to do ,which is a bit more complex than just the 4 salivas test i have done in the past... dependent on waking naturally (difficult) not a jump start alarm, doing the first test horizontal,no feet on ground literally and the 2nd one 30 mins later but upright, then the remaining 4 are done as previous 4 saliva test ie living your usual life.

Have you seen Dr Lams website on adrenal fatigue ? although fatigue seems to be the wrong word, he does however make you feel reassured you are not going nuts with the myriad of fluctuating symptoms, and offers quite a protocol of self help.I must have come across him 20 years ago, and he updates his info regularly.

Every best wish G

[AKatieD]

Yes did the 4 plus car a few weeks back, now trying to fix but slowwwww progress. Not heard of Lam so will look up

[Gillybean1 in reply to AKatieD]

It is slow , i describe it to folk that say 'you look alright' as walking in quicksand most days and feeling that you progress by taking 3 steps forward and 2 back. Sometimes you know what you did wrong and sometimes its a mystery.

Take care, G