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Premature menopause
I am now 42 (43 in 6 weeks) and hit menopause when I was 39, with my last period when I was about 38.5. I always went to my GP for well woman checks after I was 33-34. He never commented on the early menopause, so I never thought anything about it either. Now, I am wondering if it should have been a bigger red flag, as I am dealing with fibromyalgia and am being tested for autoimmune issues. A midwife friend of mine (who delivered 2nd child) told me she thinks the premature menopause is related to the autoimmune issues. I know it seems odd to be asking almost 4 years after the fact, but any thoughts?
Lisa
Lisa
My first tests that I had along with other annual routine labs were TSH and T4. They both indicated hypo. After that, I started levothyroxine (synthetic Synthroid) and after 8 weeks retested and had more tests as follows: TSH, T4, T3, TPOAb, TgAB (these two are tests to specifically rule in or out Hashimoto's, not non-autoimmune hypothyroidism), SED, CRP (those show inflammation pointing to AI not necessarily Hashi), Vit D (because sometimes that is low), have scheduled soon DEXA (bone density because untreated hypothyroidism can lead to osteoporosis so getting a baseline) and also thyroid ultrasound.
In addition to the vitamins I take regularly, a multivitamin and omega 3, I have added sublingual B complex (sometimes B12 is a little low with hypothyroidism), added biotin in hopes that it may help minimize hair loss, added selenium which isn't proven but has shown some merit in slowing the progression of Hashi.
I hope this helps as you move ahead. Good luck!
In addition to the vitamins I take regularly, a multivitamin and omega 3, I have added sublingual B complex (sometimes B12 is a little low with hypothyroidism), added biotin in hopes that it may help minimize hair loss, added selenium which isn't proven but has shown some merit in slowing the progression of Hashi.
I hope this helps as you move ahead. Good luck!
The first time I had TSH tested was 9/2009, then my GP and rheumatologist checked it this year within a month of each other. It's not changed since 2009...been on the lowest side of normal every time.
Hi Lisa,
Wanted you to know I read this and will reply asap. I'm working most of today so when I can get my paperwork, I'll let you know. TSH is the gold standard for thyroid testing, but there are a couple that indicate Hashimoto specifically. Also, as far as your TSH, it is WNL, but gosh, just barely. On the bell curve, you're at the bottom, ya know? Seems midrange would be better as far as how you would feel. When was the last time you had the TSH? Have you only had that lab run once? Or if more, do you have past tests? With AI hypo, it is progressive like other AI illnesses. So over time, your thyroid will produce less and less thyroid hormon or whatever it is called that the thyroid produces. Even if you take meds, you'll need to adjust accordingly. Does that make sense? So, if your TSH was that level a year ago, it may not be there now. I am a newby to all this though, so what do I know? :) Hopefully I'll get back here later with tests I've had.
Courtney
Wanted you to know I read this and will reply asap. I'm working most of today so when I can get my paperwork, I'll let you know. TSH is the gold standard for thyroid testing, but there are a couple that indicate Hashimoto specifically. Also, as far as your TSH, it is WNL, but gosh, just barely. On the bell curve, you're at the bottom, ya know? Seems midrange would be better as far as how you would feel. When was the last time you had the TSH? Have you only had that lab run once? Or if more, do you have past tests? With AI hypo, it is progressive like other AI illnesses. So over time, your thyroid will produce less and less thyroid hormon or whatever it is called that the thyroid produces. Even if you take meds, you'll need to adjust accordingly. Does that make sense? So, if your TSH was that level a year ago, it may not be there now. I am a newby to all this though, so what do I know? :) Hopefully I'll get back here later with tests I've had.
Courtney
Hi! When you were diagnosed, what did they check besides TSH? I have had TSH checked 3 times and its been 0.7 - 0.8 every time. The "normal range" reported with it says 0.3 - 5.10.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hello, I'm 48 and just recently (yesterday) been dx'd with Hashimoto's disease, an AI thyroid disorder. I received that more specific dx after learning just a couple of months ago that I have hypothyroidism. I've been taking medicine for about 8 or 9 weeks. Thyroid issues can alter menstrual cycles. Hypo usually causes more bleeding/clotting, but not so for me. My periods nearly stopped. I just had two last year. My internist said not to be surprised if they start again after starting meds for hypo. Sure enough, the two months I've been on levothyroxine, I have had a period each month. Other hypo symptoms include being cold intolerant, dry brittle hair/skin/nails, constipation, weight gain. Also, as you may know, having one AI disorder may be a precursor to more, so that you have fibro and Reynauld's, it may well be that you have an AI thyroid issue. If it were me, I would definitely get some additional testing done, a full thyroid panel. Hope this is helpful. Good luck to you.
One other thing, I think lethargy, sleepiness, even depression are also symptoms. Like you, I have a sleep disorder and only sleep a few hours each night. I am actually sleeping more soundly when I am asleep than I have in years.
One other thing, I think lethargy, sleepiness, even depression are also symptoms. Like you, I have a sleep disorder and only sleep a few hours each night. I am actually sleeping more soundly when I am asleep than I have in years.
Thanks for your reply. None of those points are anything I am concerned with. I am not scared of anything, just frustrated by other health issues and wondering if premature menopause is related and might offer clues. I never have had hot flashes...actually, I have Rayaud's phenomenon (always crazy cold, especially hands & feet). I drink a lot of water except when at work. I have NEVER had a lot of bleeding, and have not had ANY bleeding at all in 4 years. I have a sleep disorder and am lucky to get 4-5 hrs of sleep at night.
Any different thoughts?
Any different thoughts?
Hello Dear,
Don't worry. Don't take load. Take some precautions while you are going through menopause.
• First and foremost take menopause in a natural way. There is nothing to feel scared of.
• Do not stress yourself.
• Take adequate rest. Sleep for 8 hours.
• Drink more water. This will keep the body temperature normal and you will have less hot flash.
• In case of excessive bleeding for a long time, the uterus may be removed.
Don't worry. Don't take load. Take some precautions while you are going through menopause.
• First and foremost take menopause in a natural way. There is nothing to feel scared of.
• Do not stress yourself.
• Take adequate rest. Sleep for 8 hours.
• Drink more water. This will keep the body temperature normal and you will have less hot flash.
• In case of excessive bleeding for a long time, the uterus may be removed.
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