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Hashimoto's and Menopause - Is it safe to use progesterone cream?

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 3/16/2018 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I am on NP Thyroid and all is stable with my thyroid, however, I am in menopause and my doctor talked about HRT and how I could ask my gynecologist about it since I am low risk for stroke, breast cancer, etc. I am wondering if taking a little topical progesterone would benefit me? I'm not crazy about HRT, but am suffering insomnia and sweating. I don't want to take anything though that would mess with my thyroid gland, however, I'm don't feel like going to a doctor and then having yet another blood test every so often to monitor something else. Just wondering what others have done (or maybe do nothing). Thank you to anyone who can advise! Thanks.
Lori
Posted 3/17/2018 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know how much adding progesterone will affect your thyroid...

You said you're 'not crazy about HRT". The 'bioidentical' progesterone cream doesn't come with the risks of the 'older' HRT drugs.

But, you should be getting your hormones tested including your thyroid tests.


ZRT Labs used to provide testing without a Dr. signature. (Its a saliva test) - but the last I heard, the don't in the U.S. anymore. You could call and find out. Good way to test your progesterone, estrogen...etc.
Not sure if the thyroid testing they offer is a very good one though.
Posted 3/17/2018 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
HRT is fine to use with thyroid hormone replacement, in my non-medical opinion. I went on and off HRT for a ten year period. My perimenopause symptoms became so awful that they impacted my quality of life. I also went back on them my first year of menopause in an attempt to build bone.

You have to weigh the benefits vs. the risks. For me, it was a win-win situation. When you can not sleep and night flashes are so severe that you have to sleep on beach towels and keep a stack of nightgowns on your bedside table, you might consider HRT.

I am six years into menopause and I still get hot flashes and night flashes, but I no longer get drenched and I am sleeping! I am not on HRT anymore, but if I need it, I will go back on it.
Posted 3/18/2018 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Girlie and cyclinglady for your ideas and advice. I am going to see a doctor and decide from there. I am a minimalist and so that is why I am not rushing for HRT. My thyroid function is also finally stable and I am scared of anything messing with that because it took a long time to get right. But I am desperate for some relief for these other annoyances. I am not hot flashing seriously bad to have to change but I am going through sweating for short periods. I have always struggled with sleep because I rarely feel that natural sleepy feeling no matter how exhasted I am. It comes sometimes which makes me think I have been suffering for a long time with imbalance. The temp changes in my body at night just add to the difficulty. It is good to know you can stop easily if it doesn’t work out. Another fear is I did awful on BC pills. I tried them all in my youth and could never stick with it. I had weight gain and mostly nausea. Thanks so much for taking time to answer.
Posted 3/19/2018 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hot flashes are no joke. I was getting my temperature taken by a male nurse when he told me that I was sick. I told him that the instant he took my temperaure, I had a hot flash. The thermometer read 101.4 degrees. After doctor’s visit, the nurse checked my temperature again (some 15 minutes later). It was normal. The nurse told me that he was going to be more compassionate with his wife!
Posted 3/23/2018 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, that must have been terrible! So funny about the nurse! I have not experienced that *yet*, but have had the sweating. Thanks for sharing your experience! It has been so helpful!
Posted 3/24/2018 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
FYI. I had no issues with HRT, however, like you, I was unable to use Birth Control ever for the very same reasons. Consider a patch or cream topical over any oral medications.
Posted 3/26/2018 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good idea. I do think topical would be a good route to try. Thank you!!!
Posted 3/29/2018 5:57 PM (GMT 0)

law said...
Good idea. I do think topical would be a good route to try. Thank you!!!


Here's one of the bioidentical estrogen products (I used it for awhile)


www.estrogel.com


I was told all the studies were done on the older estrogen therapy (not bioidentical) - so we can't assume that those risks are even a concern with the bioidentical hormone therapy.
Posted 3/29/2018 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!!!! I will look into it. I am definitely interested in bioidentical if possible.
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