Perimenopause or thyroid?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Going to the docs next week and am planning on taking a list of symptoms to discuss and request a blood test. My Mum has hypothyroidism, I have been tested for it before but it was about 20 years ago and it was normal then. However I am now 46 and feel it could be menopause related. I am also overweight, but again I feel this could partly be hormonal. I have a Mirena so no periods but I generally know when I am ovulating and it's very infrequent at the moment. I get sore breasts/bloating but no period.

So anyway symptoms are:
Hair loss (always have a big clump in the shower when I wash my hair)
Dry skin - coupled with psoriasis which is spreading on my arms and knees
Terrible insomnia and daytime tiredness as a result
Night sweats
Palpitations (occasional)
Pain in my feet
Restless legs
Night time leg cramps
Depressed/feel lacking in get and go
No libido whatsoever

I don't want HRT due to family history of breast cancer. I tried a gluten/sugar free diet for a few weeks and did have more energy but have fallen off the wagon, intend to get back on that.

I take a multivit for women.

I don't know whether to come off the mirena or not, I like not having to think about contraception but as my sex life is zero it's kind of academic anyway!

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Your symptoms could be either or both perimenopause/thyroid. I'm in a bit of a similar situation but am on HRT because I was getting around 30 hot flushes a day, night sweats and was just debilitated.

With a family history of thyroid, think you should get thyroid checked (both T3 and T4) as well as iron, vit d, coeliac in case any of these are causing your symptoms.

I had quite a few blood tests done for hair loss, fatigue, brittle nails, dry skin and other thyroidy things about 9 months ago but all came back clear. Went back to GP last week in desperation and he has ordered the same tests again but with the additions of both T3 and T4, Vit D, coeliac and iron (again) in an attempt to try work out what's going on.

Some of the knowledgeable thyroid ladies on here have offered to give an opinion on the thyorid results because apparantly the guidelines can result in symptomatic people not being treated.

If all your blood tests come back clear, then it sounds like it's hormonal and then at least you know on what front to start trying to tackle your symptoms. It's miserable. I can really empathise.

It all sounds like your thyroid gland has gone awry. Also you have a familial history of hypothyroidism.

This non woo website is one that you may find useful as it gives information on tests as well:-

www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/

My DP used to have night-time cramp in his legs which had him screaming in pain. Since he has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is on tablets for it there have been no night-time cramps at all. He also had depression, dry skin and no energy whatsoever.

Hi all and thanks, I will press along with that line of enquiry and ask for blood tests then, thanks.

Went to docs today she has ordered blood tests including ferritin levels, thyroid etc. So we shall see!