BCP/estrogen and hypothyroidism ...

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
BCP/estrogen and hypothyroidism ...
4
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 7:01pm
While doing some research on levothroid, I found this on a site for Parkinson's disease. They were reviewing drug interactions. It said:

"The administration of estrogens can increase circulating concentrations of thyroxine binding globulen. This reduces the clinical response to levothyroxine. Hypothyroid patients may require larger doses of medication." Thyroxine is the thyroid hormone produced by ... your thyroid! Levothyroxine is the replacement hormone in all or most T4 medications, no matter what the brand name. What this means is that the estrogen is preventing you from getting all of the medication you need.

Ok - so anyone on birth control pills or taking hormone replacement therapy should make a point to speak with their doctors about this interaction and the need to increase their medication. Now I know this could be a major battle so if you want the site for reference, let me know and I'll post it for you. Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2004
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 1:35pm
Cathy if you get a chance watch the video link I posted. It has all the new info about some of the effects of estrogen to the thyroid system.

Eric

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 1:44pm
I use the depo shot for bc...do I need to be concerned? When I asked my gyno and my doc about this (about six months ago), they didn't seem to think there was anything to be worried about.

Dazed
Co-CL Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Board
Co-CL Dogs Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 6:49pm
There have been a number of women who've posted here with bad effects from the depo shot. Have you felt anything from it? I'll have to get you that link that Eric posted with the video on birth control effects on the thyroid. I didn't watch it because I'm not taking any estrogen. But I'll post the link for you. Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 7:18pm
Thanks, Cathy.

I started the depo almost two years ago, and I haven't had a problem. There was some weight gain, but after everything else I'm not sure if that's because of the hypo or just me being lazy and deciding I like food better than exercise! LOL! I did notice a decrease in my interest in sex, but again, that could be the hypo. Other than that, the only side effect I've had is no periods, which is FANTASTIC as far as I'm concerned! What kinds of things were the other women experiencing? Maybe I just don't know what to look for.

I didn't have a choice with bc because I'm 38 and I smoke (I know, it's not good for me, but it's a choice I make daily). I'm not sure about kids. I used to think maybe someday but now, I think it's too late. And probably too hard with the depo and it's long lasting effects and the hypo, and pcos and all that...maybe God was trying to tell me something! LOL! I guess my furkids are enough for me and my fiance.

But, if the depo and the synthroid (I know these posts were talking about the levothroid) are not mixing well, I need to know and see what (if any) options I have with the bc.

Thanks again!

Dazed
Co-CL Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Board
Co-CL Dogs Board