Hashimoto's and Birth Control - Please help!

[bds03]

Hi -

I am 21 years old and have Hashimoto's and I have been taking levothryoxine supplements for the past few years.  I have recently decided to begin taking birth control pills and worried because I have heard that the estrogen can affect levothryoxine.

I plan on getting my thyroid levels checked 6 weeks after I begin the birth control.  My question, however, is would it at all be possible for my doctor to know that I am taking birth control based on my test results?  The reason I ask is that my mother is an endocrinologist and essentially takes care of my Hashimoto's and I do not want her to know that I am taking birth control.  

I read online that the estrogen can affect the readings of the thyroid level tests but that the thyroid level is really normal.  I guess I just want to make sure that by taking birth control pills I won't mess up my thyroid medication and also that there is no way for my mom (i.e. my endocrinologist) to know that I am taking birth control pills from my thyroid test results.

Thank you so much for all your help - sorry for the long post!

[kipland]

Just wanted to throw my two cents in for what it's worth.  I don't have a clue how birth control affects thyroid levels, but wanted to say that I think your mother would be happier to find that you were being responsible, than to get the surprise call that she's going to be a grandmother.

[kitcurious]

You could get a doctor that isn't your mom. Probably best if you value your privacy.

[borninquisitive]

From what I have read, birth control pills can inhibit, to a degree, your thyroid medication. If this is/becomes the case, the idea is to up your thyroid meds.

Regarding your mother, I agree with kitty's advice. I think you owe it to yourself to be up front about other medications/supplements that you are/may also be taking.

Best!

[kitty9309]

If you trust your mother to be your doctor, you need to be upfront about all your medications/supplements just like you should w/ any dr.
I understand you not wanting her to know, but you are of legal age. It would be best to tell her or see another dr that you can be more open with.
There is no blood test that can tell if you are on bc or not.

Good luck with your decision.

[GravesLady]

Birth control pills will not interfere with FTs = Free Totals.  So make sure your TSH test includes
FT-4 and FT-3.  

There is no way to know if a person is on birth control through thyroid test.  But if mother sneaks in other test, there is no guarantee what she will come up with.

Take thyroid meds. in the AM and birth control in the PM.

You will be OK.