Anyone else suspect hypothyroidism for the cause of heavy periods, fibroids, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia?

[Weaver281]

I,ve got my first proper gynae appointment on Monday, after suffering from extremely heavy periods, dysmenorrhea since my cycle changed last February. I became severely anaemic as I was losing so much blood, with longer periods and less time in between them (went from regular 28 days to 10-14) I have had 2 double blood transfusions, once last July and another round 2 weeks ago. I was also diagnosed with lots of fibroids via ultrasound last August and had a follow up one last week. I also recently got a lump above my thyroid, something I had before when I was 22, final year at uni and suffering awful periods too, with dysmenorrhea and bad acne on my face. I now have an outbreak of bad acne again, and given antibiotics and a lotion. Also referred to a Neck and Throat specialist to discuss thyroid cyst.

I’ve been reading up on thyroid issues and a lot of the symptoms I have are suggestive of hypothyroidism. I think I may have always had a dodgy thyroid, but it’s never been checked. I know your thyroid is the key to good health and the thyroid hormones help produce progesterone which in turn balances out the estrogen. I feel like this is the root cause of my cycle gone out of control and I would like to know if anyone else has been in the same position and has been diagnosed with an under active thyroid? I want to discuss this with my gynae consultant but don’t know if they’ll listen to my theory? If I can correct the imbalance with medication (already started to with nutrition - increased vit A, meat protein (I was veggie for 4 years before I reverted in December) dairy intake, avoiding PUFAs, magnesium) I’d rather do that than look to surgical options.

Thanks for any advice offered

[Baggiebod]

I have an under active thyroid but Levothyroxine didn't work for me as my body did not convert it into T3. The body needs T4 (Levothyroxine) to convert into T3 in order to utilise it. I haven't experienced any menstrual issues.

[MaudFisher]

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[itselenax]

I do believe that an underactive thyroid could be the cause of a lot of these symptoms. I have a low thyroid myself but not low enough for medication. It's always worth checking, even just asking your GP to book you a thyroid blood test to see where your levels are is beneficial. The fact that you had fibroids suggests to me that maybe you have endometriosis - but perhaps your doctor has already discussed this with you.

[Weaver281 in reply to itselenax]

Thanks for your reply I’ve got a phone consult with the Neck & Throat specialist on Friday, so will ask about thyroid testing. I saw my gynae yesterday and looking to be referred for Sonata treatment at Addenbrookes for the fibroids, fingers crossed they accept me. I’ve also started working with a nutritionist who has shed a lot of light on results from my Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis I had done in December. Apparently my veggie diet had nothing to do with my symptoms, I have a very poorly gut, attributed to low stomach acid, copper toxicity and magnesium and sodium deficiency and she suggests possible Epstein Barr Virus. Working on nutrition and supplements to start healing my body, which I think is the key to getting my health back in balance.

[itselenax in reply to Weaver281]

Sounds like you've got a good plan going for the moment. I have never heard of a hair tissue mineral analysis, what does that involve? Sorry about your poorly gut, hopefully taking some supplements will help to balance it out.

[Weaver281 in reply to itselenax]

It’s called a HTMA for short. You can’t get this via your GP, it’s something you have to pay for privately, mine cost £69, you are given a kit through the post and you cut small pieces of your hair and send it back to the lab. I got mine through this company - mineralstate.co.uk You then receive a report with your results, but you need a nutritionist to interpret the results for you. It can tell you much more about your health than any blood test can. It’s worth paying for, if you can do it.

[itselenax in reply to Weaver281]

That sounds really informative and interesting. I might give it a go, thanks for the link!

[Weaver281]

Just read this insightful article about thyroid function and in particular what Epstein Barr virus (EBV) can do to it. Your body is never attacking itself, it’s always fighting for you and the root cause of many thyroid issues is EBV.

[Weaver281]

Article here - goop.com/wellness/health/th...

[bebasikkk]

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[Weaver281]

Just an update - I had an ultrasound on my throat and it seems to be swollen lymph nodes, perfectly normal and may be due to an infection. Because I have a narrow neck they can be felt more but nothing concerning. No sign of a thyroglossal cyst or duct so I was misdiagnosed way back when. Thyroid looks normal too.