Stable hypothyroidism but new to birth control

[Rkrenek]

I have had stable thyroid levels with the use of synthroid and cytomel. I am looking for birth control suggestions, since I have never been on it, and my periods are sometimes extremely painful and irregular, with not much bleeding. I exercise almost every day and have low body fat, but my doctor suggested I see a gynecologist since I may have ovarian cysts, and it runs in the family. I have an appointment in two weeks but would like to be well researched before I agree to take just anything. I break out very badly before and during menaces, and almost always have random pimples due to working out, even though I have tried every face wash and makeup fix. Like my mother I sometimes get a hair or two in my chin, and suspect a hormone imbalance. Help!

[Barb135]

What are your actual thyroid hormone levels?  Too low thyroid hormone levels can cause the irregular periods.  Please post your levels, along with reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.

Extreme exercise can also cause irregular periods, so be sure you aren't overdoing the exercise.

Excess facial hair and/or body hair is caused by too much testosterone; however, if your "hair or two" is only occasional, most likely, it's quite normal.

Do be sure to have the gyn check for the cystic ovaries to see if they need treatment.  Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) often goes with hypothyroidism and causes some symptoms that mimic hypothyroidism; however, there is treatment for it.

[ahmee]

Forgot to ask if you have any lingering thyroid symptoms. My skin has cleared up a lot since finding the optimal dose of my thyroid meds, and I'm wondering if perhaps your dose is too low. As you may know, just having numbers "normal" or "in range" doesn't necessarily mean one is at the correct dose.

[ahmee]

I can't give you any specific recommendations as I have never been on birth control before. However, I would ask your gynecologist to test all of the sex hormones. I'm sure the gyno will be quick to agree to put you on birth control, but I would wait until any potential hormonal imbalances are under control before undergoing another hormone shift by starting birth control.