Using progesterone to Increase t3

[olgadimitri]

Hello. Please share. Is there such a possibility of increasing T3 by adding progesterone for postmenopausal women?

[greygoose]

How would that work?

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to greygoose]

I've been wondering the same thing as I read that progesterone helps the conversion from T4 to T3.

[greygoose in reply to Dahliasanddaisies]

Ah, OK.

[radd]

olgadimitri,

Only if you are replacing a progesterone deficiency.

Both thyroid hormones and progesterone play a major role in co-regulating the reproductive hormones that allow conception, and its is progesterone that helps elevate FT4/FT3 in people with a healthy working gland to protect the foetus from inadequate thyroid hormones adverse effects.

Progesterone (in proportion to oestrogen) encourages better deiodinase behaviours (thyroid hormone conversion enzymes) which helsp regulate oestrogen and progesterone gene expression, as it is a bio-directional relationship. Hence many members find their thyroid meds work better on HRT. I initially even had to decrease my thyroid meds.

Balanced progesterone also reduces the risk of too much oestrogen making the liver produce excess TBG that binds thyroid hormone. This is why Dr Peatfield always suggested Wellsprings transdermal cream to keep a control of aggressive oestrogenic effects as levels tend to remain higher as we approach menopause. Nowadays I’m post meno too and need 200mg of Utrogestan 😁.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to radd]

That’s so interesting radd; thanks for explaining. I needed to adjust my combination thyroid medication downwards slightly when on HRT, although understand that some members need slightly more Levo when on HRT.

[radd in reply to Buddy195]

Buddy195

Yes, the misconception is that "everyone" will have to increase thyroid hormones to accommodate the anticipated rise in binding proteins.

On paper this is correct except many of us have been very ill with poorly working thyroid meds and cortisol issues resulting in slow/clogged liver function, etc. When everything finally comes together you achieve a multi layer of improvements.

[Billycasper in reply to radd]

Off topic but can I just ask how much oestrogen you take alongside your 200mg of utrogesten Radd?

[radd in reply to Billycasper]

2 pumps of Lenzetto and a small squirt of T.