HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Perimenopause and Hypothyroidism

Support Forums
>
Thyroid Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/11/2011 4:08 PM (GMT 0)

I recently entered into perimenopause and found out that my thyroid is very low. My test results were at 38.80, I feel like I am losing my mind ! I have swings in my symptoms all day, everyday.  It starts with a pressure in my temples then I smell a strange smell (olfactory) after that my face gets very flushed and I cry for no reason ! My arms and legs feel like they weigh a ton. My balance is off sometimes and I have a hard time remembering anything. I don't know if these are panic attacks or I have a brain tumor. I also don't know if this is perimenopause or hypothyroid related. Would be so grateful for any help.

Posted 5/11/2011 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
My guess would be that your symptoms are more related to perimenopause than your thyroid. Thyroid symptoms usually don't fluctuate wildly. Please see the "Thyroid basics" thread here for symptoms of hypothyroidism, which are different from yours. You should discuss the symptoms with your doctor - endocrinologist or gynecologist - as treatment is available to decrease severe perimenopaus symptoms.
Posted 5/15/2011 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi CC Rider (makes me think of Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels)

anyway it sounds like you are going thru the change or pre-change. Are you taking any HRTs? Or other meds that could have some of these side effects?

If your dr says you are other wise healthy then you can choose to try meds or alternatives to ease the symptoms. I choose alternatives. A good place to start is by reading 'What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause' by Dr. John Lee the site is http://www.johnleemd.com

I found this very helpful and have referred back to it over the yrs. This will give you an idea of what is going on and what to expect.

Each of us is different. I suffered more with migraine for about 10 yrs. I would wake up from my head pounding and running to the bathroom to throw up. This would go on for hours. For me the hot flashes were just minor, if nothing else they warmed me up when I was in AC, I don't like the cold. I had other problems but have opted for alternatives when it wasn't something that would jeopardize my life.

I found supplements that helped with both the migraines and the hot flashes and there was no side effects to worry about.

hope this helps and you can contact me anytime, it is how we all learn is by sharing our experiences.
Posted 5/16/2011 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply Tryin2cope2. Funny you mentioned Mitch Rider cuz thats where the nick name came from when I was just a kid. My little brother could not pronounce my first name so he called me cc, which turned into cc rider by my fun loving parents. Very sorry to hear that you spent so long with migraines. I have discovered that part of my problem is my tsh level is at 38.80 which puts me very hypothyroid. I think you are right about the perimeno though because my symptoms are all over the place and they seem to get worse after week 2 of my cycle. (That has also become haywire). Doc perscribed 100 extra mcg of levoxl once a week( I currently take 100 mcg a day) and after week 2, I am starting to feel a little better. I have been being treated for Hypothyroidism for 10 years and all of the sudden its way off. The thing that blows my mind is the unbelievable anxiety. I have been reading that perimeno and hypothyroidism both contribute to it. I truly appreciate the time that you took to respond to my post. Its nice to know that people care. I have gotten a few books on perimenopause and have been reading them cover to cover. My mom took HRT for years and it really helped her thru the change. I just recently quit smoking so I will talk to my doctor about when it might be safe to start trying the HRT. I have heard alot about bio identical hormones also and I want to check into that too. Thanks again.

Post Edited (ccrider) : 5/16/2011 4:58:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/24/2011 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
My story is almost the opposite of yours. I thought I had started perimenopause, and, come to find out, I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. My endo tested my girlie hormones, and I'm not in perimenopause at all. Have you been tested for Hashimoto's? It's a simple antibodies test. If you have it, that might be causing some of your perimenopausal symptoms. Just a thought...
Posted 6/22/2011 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
It's not unusual for the thyroid to go low during perimenopause or menopause. It's when mine hit. I recommend the book by Dr. Lee as well. He is big on bioidentical progesterone therapy. It really helps a LOT. You can get a compounded prescription cream or take prometrium capsules. The capsules do have peanut oil in them so if you are allergic to peanuts, you have to use the cream. Hang in there, you'll feel a lot better when you get the thyroid meds. Get a good gyn to address your female hormones.
Posted 7/6/2011 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Your symptoms definately go along with textbook Hashimoto's THyroiditis and along with your high TSH levels. Make sure to tell your endocrinologist about your symptoms. They are textbook Hashimot's symptoms.

Valerie
Posted 7/10/2011 8:33 AM (GMT 0)
 

Hi CC Rider!

I like your screen name--reminds me of the song we used to play at high school sporting events.

 

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply