Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Danielle11746 on May 10, 2015, 12:16:46 AM

Title: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: Danielle11746 on May 10, 2015, 12:16:46 AM
Last year I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid.  I was put on thyroid medication and shortly after starting it I felt like crap.  I had symptoms before starting the thyroid medication and after they just seemed to get even worse.  I developed dark eye circles, gained weight, was exhausted along not looking as soft and feminine.

I freaked out from all the side effects and after 2 months on the thyroid medication I stopped it.  Now a year later I still feel like crap.  My doctor wants me to give the thyroid medication another try and said my side effects were due to the dose being too low. 

I am looking for other people's experience, being trans and having thyroid issues. 

Does this effect feminization?

Does it effect hrt? 

Does estrogen get absorbed properly with thyroid issues? 

Can it make someone more masculine?
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: Ms Grace on May 10, 2015, 02:53:11 AM
Have you thought about getting a second opinion? I'm no doctor but it seems odd that a higher dose of the medicine that made you feel crap would make you feel less crap. Perhaps there are alternative treatments? Maybe talk to another doctor.
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: gretchenTG on May 10, 2015, 08:06:14 AM
Hey! I have had my thyroid completely removed and on medication for it. I started my transition 14 months ago. My Dr started me out slowly with my HRT levels along with thyroid levels. I had my levels tested every couple months so both thyroid levels were where they needed to be plus getting my hormone levels in the proper female range. It takes time! it takes about a month to get your thyroid levels to get in range to retest. Check or research the side effects of your thyroid medication. It took me almost 6-8 months to reach proper levels and I have also had it increased twice. Also which you probably already know is there are two ways your thyroid function hypo and hyper. Good luck.
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: KayXo on May 10, 2015, 11:55:53 AM
Perhaps first resolving your HRT issues will help with this. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Sex hormones affect thyroid and vice-versa.
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: Sophiabutterfly09 on May 10, 2015, 02:12:20 PM
My mom is hypo-thyroid as well; she had to try different medications until she found the right one.
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: KayXo on May 11, 2015, 12:34:22 PM
I remember reading about a transwoman who reported success when taking natural thyroid hormones versus synthetic.  I can't add anything else as my knowledge on the subject is limited. You could inquire about this, as well, with your doctor.
Title: Re: Thyroid issues and HRT
Post by: Danielle11746 on May 11, 2015, 10:13:02 PM
Thank you everyone for input