Progesterone and thyroid

by Donna
(Katy, TX)

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (specifically, Hashimoto's) with a TPO of 1262. In range was 0-35. I was put on synthroid and my TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibody) immediately went down to 70. Shortly thereafter, I was put on armour and then progesterone cream (I was premenopausal and have since had a hysterectomy). My TPO shot back up to greater than 1200 and will not go down. I have been put back on synthroid but it still remains at greater than 1200.

Can you shed any light as to why this number is so high? It has been like this, now for over 2 years. I am presently on 88mcg of synthroid and 25 mcg of compounded T3. I also use 40ml of progesterone cream daily. can you also tell me what the TPO is and what can I do to get it back to, or close to, in range? PLEASE HELP! I have problems sleeping and very low libido. Thank you!!

Comments for
Progesterone and thyroid

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Apr 10, 2008
 Hashimoto's thyroiditis
by: Wray

Hi Donna Where do I start?! TPO is not an antibody, it's an enzyme found in the thyroid gland and is vital for the production of the two thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It catalyses the reaction between iodine and tyrosine, an amino acid. It is stimulated by TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), so that is probably high too.

Have your tyrosine and iodine levels been checked? If they are low, the thyroid gland will not be able to make the two hormones T3 and T4. Antibodies against TPO are found in diseases such as Hashimoto's. Please get them to check your glutathione levels, if this is low the immune system struggles.

I would suggest you take the precursor's to glutathione, the amino acids N-acetyl cysteine, glutamine and glycine, all readily available in health shops. Take at least 2000mg/day of each. Plus the mineral selenium, preferably an amino acid chelate, 200mcg/day. Glutathione needs selenium and there is also evidence that selenium reduces levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

The progesterone is a good choice, but you say 40ml... I would need to know the strength to help further. All the successful studies done on progesterone use between 100mg to 200mg per day. This equates to 3ml to 6ml of Natpro per day. Some go as high as 400-600mg/day, one going as high as 1200mg/day as it was the oral variety. Hope this helps! Take care Wray


Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis Decreases Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Concentrations
Aug 21, 2009
 Will the injection contraceptive help?
by: Sally

This persons comments are close to my experience.

When the clock struck 40 my beautiful body went into revolt! I gained 15kgs within 2 and a half months, whilst eating right and jogging daily. I am 1.65cm and always weighed between 62 and 64kgs now I am lugging 80kgs.

At 40 I was concerned about pregnancy and had the doc do a blood test. What a relief but I did not know what was wrong. My eyes became extremely dry and I went to an optometrist who simply said that I needed to use ointment.

I took a prescript for specs to use on computer but because the screen is far away the cupboard landed up wearing them. My eyesight has deteriorated to the point that I can't read small print.

Finally, I remembered that people said unnatural weight gain can be due to thyroid malfunction. I asked another doc to run blood tests and Hashimoto's was the diagnosis and the cure was Altroxin for life - I refuse to take chronic meds!

I went to a homoeopath and took L-Tyrosine and some other supplements like chromium for about 6 months.

Then I recalled how that I had tremendous fish cravings and the homoeopath said that it was due to iodine deficiency. I started craving milk a year ago and am now taking Calcium and Magnesium in addition to my usual potent multivitamin and Omega 3 (Nutrilite)

My thyroid started to function okay and then I went on a weight management program lost 10kgs in 90days and maintained for a period and then WHOOSH gained 12kgs! I have just surrendered to the fat for now.

I heard Dr Oz say that men that carry the fat below the naval (metabolic fat) have raised oestrogen levels. DOES THAT APPLY TO WOMEN?

In a life time I never had fat below the naval and now I have this portly belly - cringe not to mention the back fat. I feel as if I have aged 10 years over the last year and look it.

I am now 44 and a half - grin. Noticed a year back that I started suffering from tender breasts, totally foreign experience to me.

My period still runs like clock work the way it always did - 24 day cycle approx 3-4 day menses.

I have never used oral contraception, used day after pill twice in a life time.

Can you advise whether going on the progesterone contraceptive injection will aid me to balance what appears to be peri-menopausal symptoms. Am I on the right track?

Scored 64 on your site questionaire.

Will I get fatter - lol! Which kind of injection would be appropriate at my age? When does one know to come off progesterone?

How do I tell that I am dealing with progesteron production when I use a product and not progestin? What is the benefit of wild yam and where does one access it?

WHY DIDN'T MY MOTHER TELL ME WHAT TO EXPECT - lol!

Why don't doctors know to look out or ask questions along these symptoms. I could have got help ages ago then!

I would appreciate your advice.
Nov 30, 2010
 tpo
by: Anonymous

I reduced mine by going gluten and iodine and caffeine free. Also low cab diet. Just fruits, veg, nuts and seeds and a bit of grass fed meat. Hard to do but my tpo is down from 1,610 tp 358.
Jul 24, 2011
 eltroxin
by: Gillian

I cannot understand why someone would not want to take eltroxin. It sorts out the thyroid problem, has no side-effects and is cheap. It makes you better so why not?

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