Menopause, not for the faint hearted

[Misty]

Thanks MaryKay.

I had radiation therapy to kill my thyroid in 99. I've had nothing but problems since. The symptoms of hypothyroidism and menopause are so similar, my Dr doesn't know which one to treat. Bloodwork for thyroid reads "within normal range," but I feel like dookie, gaining weight at lightning speeds, (while on Nutri Systems strict) and serious hot flashes. It's a roller coaster that's driving me crazy!

I've had my thyroid removed and am on synthroid daily(.1mg) ..I know the doc keeps me on the edge of hyperthyroidism so I'm definitly not gaining. Do you have your blood tests every 6 months to check your levels?
I don't notice hot flashes any more than usual ( x1/day @3am) ..but also now on Actonel to prevent osteoporosis as did lose bone density in the interim..
So complicated!

[nitewriter]

I've had my thyroid removed and am on synthroid daily(.1mg) ..I know the doc keeps me on the edge of hyperthyroidism so I'm definitly not gaining. Do you have your blood tests every 6 months to check your levels?
I don't notice hot flashes any more than usual ( x1/day @3am) ..but also now on Actonel to prevent osteoporosis as did lose bone density in the interim..
So complicated!

You're right Misty, it is sooo complicated! Keep check on how you feel above all. That will tell you, even before the blood work, when something's not right.

Hypothyroidism is NO fun to battle. It's hard getting a DR to listen to you and not rely solely on the #'s. What is "normal" for one is not so for everyone, as my Dr seems to think.

The weird thing with me, I actually lost 60 lbs last year. (Nutri Systems) and I felt better than I have since the radiation. Then, all of the sudden, and out of the blue, I started having trouble getting through the day. (So tired) Then the weight started coming right back. This was without me changing a thing! All the weight I had lost is back with no end in sight, and my Dr won't listen. (I think I'm going to have to find a new one)

Throw hot flashes and hormonal imbalances in on top of it. Whew!

I'm on 200 mcg's of Levoxyl plus 25 mcg of Cytomel daily.

Good luck to you Misty!

[scyllabub]

I'm on 100mcg thyroxine daily - when I remember to take it I'm so stressed out about taking tabs because my memory is so bad. I have a tablet organiser "box" but don't even remember to look at it some days. Same with the Simvastatin I'm supposed to take at night (apparently thyroid treatment can increase bad cholesterol levels).

Forgot to say, btw, that the palpitations that accompany some flushes are very alarming too. I'm wondering if I'm getting 2 sorts - fainty hot 'n cold sweats with palpitations because of thyroid, and the "being an electric heater + sweats" is the menopause.

I had my dinner at 5.30am today

scylla

[greyeyes]

MaryKay thank you for the welcome and it's nice to see another Floridian here!

Would like to add that I too have a thyroid problem. Was dx'd with hypothyroidism when I was 18, am 53 yrs. old now. I could write a book about all of the experiences I've been through with MD's, Endo's, and every type of thyroid med available. I've struggled with this, for the most part my entire life, and still am!

For all those with hypothyroidism, except for Misty that's had hers removed, have any of you been tested for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? I just found out eight years ago that I have it. It's an auto-immune disease like Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, etc. It's a simple blood test that you can ask your doc to add when he/she's checking your levels. One in particular is called a TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies). Unfortunately if you do test positive for the antibodies you'll never get your thyroid regulated with meds, IMO. With Hashimoto's, your thyroid hormone levels can change by the hour.

In my experience, the best thyroid med is also the oldest one ever made called Armour Thyroid; however, finding anybody to Rx it is tough. Doc's don't know much about it these days and think the synthetics are best. They NEVER worked for me so I quit taking them and refuse to take them now. When I did get the Armour, I knew within two days it was working.

[scyllabub]

Oh well, we've made this thread into 'menopause and/or thyroidism' (I made that word up to cover all kinds).

I was hyperthyroid and had the thing irradiated. I joined a little online 'thyroid help' group and there had my eyes opened to the variety of disorders and diseases associated with thyroid. I think it's much worse for many people who start out being hypo as opposed to becoming hypo by having their hyper treated.

Also in that group I saw people trying to campaign for Armour to be made available (I think it has been prOscribed in the National Health service), it's derived from pigs.

Thyroid disease is not newsworthy, but many people have to resign themselves to a life of unwellness because medical science isn't up to the job... yet When I was having treatment and follow-up at the hospital I felt I was on a conveyer belt

Hugs to fellow sufferers.

scylla

[nitewriter]

Sorry MaryKay if we hijacked your thread. Maybe we should start another about thyroid disorders.

I included my post here because I don't know which one is causing me to feel like doodie and hot flashes, menopause or thyroid imbalance.

I will add for Greyeyes. My Dr let me try Armor, my #'s were all over the place. Dr said it was because they haven't mastered the dosage in Armor, because of how it's derrived. I know others it has worked wonderfully for. I'm glad you found something that works for you!

I also think ANY thyroid imbalance is a horrible experience, whether you're hypo or hyper. Menopause only magnifies the misery.

[redrose]

I just started bio-idendical hrt: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. I fell like a new person. I fell better than I used to feel, when I felt great. They lowered my thyroid meds b/c lack of these hormones was causing the thyroid to malfunction.
There are compounding pharmacies with md's if your doctor won't prescribe them. They will have you do a saliva test for true levels. Don't believe what they tell you about that study. It was based on synthetic hormones. Bio idendical hormones are completely safe. The drug companies are against it because they can't patent natural ingredients. My best advice to anyone reading this, run to get them. It is impossible to create the proper balance of hormones using what is available in a regular drugstore. I'm happy, I have more energy, more focus. I sleep better, don't flash, the pain in my ankles is gone and I haven't gained an ounce. I am simply enjoying life again. Everyday, all day, I cannot believe the difference in the way I feel.
It is so scary what they will try to make women believe, and send them away.

[nitewriter]

Thanks Red.

Personally, I'm torn between doing bio identiacal or just a low dose of estrogen. The bio identiacal sounds really interesting to me though. Thanks for your input!

[redrose]

You're very welcome. I did a great deal of research before I began BHRT. I would not recommend doing just estrogen, as the side effects of estrogen without, or too little progesterone (whether created by your own body or with hrt) are severe. It's known as estrogen dominance. Here's the list:
The symptoms and conditions associated with estrogen dominance are:

Acceleration of the aging process
Allergies, including asthma, hives, rashes, sinus congestion
Autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosis and thyroiditis, and possibly Sjoegren's disease
Breast cancer
Breast tenderness
Cervical dysplasia
Cold hands and feet as a symptom of thyroid dysfunction
Copper excess
Decreased sex drive
Depression with anxiety or agitation
Dry eyes
Early onset of menstruation
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Fat gain, especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs
Fatigue
Fibrocystic breasts
Foggy thinking
Gallbladder disease
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hypoglycemia
Increased blood clotting (increasing risk of strokes)
Infertility
Irregular menstrual periods
Irritability
Insomnia
Magnesium deficiency
Memory loss
Mood swings
Osteoporosis
Polycystic ovaries
Premenopausal bone loss
PMS
Sluggish metabolism
Thyroid dysfunction mimicking hypothyroidism
Uterine cancer
Uterine fibroids
Water retention, bloating
Zinc deficiency

[redrose]

I wonder how many OMG's will be posted! I found an ob/gyn who is familiar with dosaging. My sister's doctor was not, but believed in it. She sent her here. They are very resonably priced, $54 a month for 4 hormones, and they will try to get your insurance to reimburse you:
http://www.ryerx.com/retailer/store_...346C04A0DAB8EE
If you contact her, you can tell her Denyse recommended her. They will ship it to you UPS. This is a very reputable pharmacy, not a web only place.