Just wondering if anyone hear has hypothyroidism that has gone through HRT. Any complications? I actually had Grave's disease when I was younger and had to have a radioactive iodine treatment to "kill" my thyroid. Forgive my lack of knowledge on this if it's a silly question.
Sia has Graves' disease too, so you're in good company. I had a slightly underactive thyroid before I started HRT. I was prescribed some kind of thyroid drug to take indefinitely. "To hell with that," I proclaimed! Instead, I picked up some thyroid supplement at the health food store and took it for the duration of the bottle. My thyroid problem cleared right up, and I didn't need the drug. To this day, my thyroid is fine.
Keep in mind, while I had great success with some herbal thyroid treatment, my thyroid was only slightly underactive. If you had to basically destroy yours to halt Graves' disease, then you might be in a very different boat. Always, always, ALWAYS talk to your doctor! (yes, I totally get the irony here)
There have been folk on the forum who have that condition - don't know how many of them are still currently active members. It's best to chat with your endo or doctor though.
Hi Katelyn, I've been on HRT for years (I'm post op) and before HRT developed hypothyroidism and Addison's Disease. I don't find any complications due to the HRT. My concern is mostly with how the endocrinologist approaches my hypothyroid condition which contributes to my fatigue. I have had past endocrinologists prescribe Levoxyl, which does nothing for me. There's a good book by the title of "Stop the Thyroid Madness" that led me to seek out a doctor who would give me Armour Thyroid, which was the traditional treatment before the drug companies invaded the medical schools in the 60's and convinced them to prescribe Levoxyl. Levoxyl is only a T4 drug, I need the T3 for energy that I get from the Armour Thyroid.
Good luck with your journey!!
Interesting Nikki, thank you. I'm currently on Levothyroxine which is a generic for Levoxyl but I also have reduced energy levels. I'm going to check out that book. Thank you.
Hi! I have been transitioning for the last 16 months. I had my thyroid removed about 2 1/2 years ago. I have been taking that mediation since I had that done. My Dr has tested my levels about every 3-4 months. I have been doing very well with my HRT any thyroid meds. My Dr has told me when I am getting tired or low energy that I should have blood work done again. Best wishes!
Gretchen
One more bit of advice, I have had instances where the doctors have shown me the results of blood work and insist I'm doing fine, because I'm within the ranges they consider normal, while I know I'm not doing fine at all.
Sometimes the numbers don't tell the whole story, and you really need someone that listens to their patients.
I went on synthroid a year after going on HRT. I have been off of that for nearly a year now. It was causing a rosacea rash on my face. It is one of the side effects. No problem going on synthroid and HRT. Check with your doctor.
Joelene
My thyroid was fine before I started HRT but after 7-8 months I developed hypothyroid. My mom also has it so I think once my hormones were adjusted I got it from genetics.
Hello ,
I would like to tell about two great sites for the people who don't feel good with the treatments offered by the common endos . The thyroid is really the most important gland inside us yet the endos treat it superficially .
Hypothyroidmom.com is a great site full of resources of blood tests to be done , the optimal not ' normal ' levels and open minded endos .
Also stopthethyroidmadness.com is a great place
They also have Facebook groups / pages
I understand the struggle. There have been many times where I just don't feel right and I go to my doctor about it and he goes, "Well your levels are actually the opposite of the complaints you're telling me."
I'm going to look up that facial rash, I spent years in deep denial and hardly looked at a mirror. But since I've hit self realization I've noticed all these tiny red bumps all over my face.