thyroid or menopause

[gofigerr]

I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure in 1998 at 29 with an FSH of 165 and estrogen less than 10. I used loestrin as HRT for about 8 years and then started having much trouble tolerating it, I couldn't get through 1/2 a pack without extreme bloating, fatigue and breast pain. I was aslo told years ago that I had Hashimoto's and subclincal hypothyroid even though my TSH and other thyroid tests were in the normal range I went years being told that I didn't need to be treated until last year an endo said that subclincal hypo should be treated. The doctor treated me with a very low dose of synthroid. I couldn't tolerate that at all, I had adrenaline rushes and spikes in blood pressure. I stopped taking ALL meds including the birth control pills in August of last year. I had a full period in September, the doctor said probably remnance of the bcp. Then I had another in October with heavy mucous and signs of ovulation. I was tested on day 3 and my estrogen was normal but my FSH was 120. My doctor said she didn't know what to make of that. I have continued to have very normal and very heavy periods every 28 days since, I was tested again in December, again on day 3 and my estrogen was normal, my FSH was 26. However my TSH was 11. I am now wondering if it is my thyroid that is messed up and the cause of my menopausal symptoms? They gyn that saw me said he wouldn't treat my TSH yet, he would retest and he also said I am definatly not in menopause. In your opiniion, could this all be from the hypo? I have now had 8 normal periods with no HRT but continue to have hypo symtoms.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

TSH of 11 is hypothyroidism.  The high FSH (even though it came down) is perimenopause -- not uncommon to go through both thyroid dysfunction and menopause at the same time.  Would consider trying a low dose levothyroxine product again and talk to the GYN about monitoring for menopause and treatment options.

[borninquisitive]

"I presume that years ago, antibodies: Thyroglobulin antibodies aka: TgAb  aka: thyroglobulin antibodies"

That should have been written: " I presume that years ago, antibodies: TgAb aka: thyroglobulin antibodies"

;-/

~Kate

[borninquisitive]

You need a repeat (soon)- in thyroid tests. I presume that years ago, antibodies: Thyroglobulin antibodies aka: TgAb  aka: thyroglobulin antibodies and/or TPO aka:  Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies were detected, hence your diagnosis years ago.
If your TSH is similar to you last TSH test, you need thyroid hormone replacement. If your doctor disagrees, you need to seek the attention of a new doctor.

Personally, I would request copies of your labs and latest medical records (if you think helpful) and take them to a new doctor. Preferably an Endocrinologist but if you can not find one/get into a visit soon enough: personally I would choose an Internist over a G.P.

That said, PCOS  patients (I'm sure you are aware of what PCOS is ) have been noted as having a high (er) prevalence of thyroid dieses (Hashimotos).


Best,
~Kate