Sex hormone imbalance closely resembles hypothyroidism
Estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones are interrelated.
Many women with estrogen dominance are taking thyroid supplements which, when progesterone is introduced and estrogen dominance is corrected, can often be reduced or eliminated altogether.
Estrogen causes food calories to be stored as fat. Thyroid hormone causes fat calories to be turned into usable energy. Thyroid hormone and estrogen have opposing actions. Estrogen, therefore, may compete with thyroid hormone at the site of its receptor. In so doing, the thyroid hormone may never complete its mission, creating hypothyroid symptoms despite normal serum levels of thyroid hormone.
From the evidence we have collected, the symptoms of hypothyroidism occurring in patients with unopposed estrogen (progesterone deficiency) become less so when progesterone is added and hormone balance is achieved.
Sex hormone imbalance closely resembles those of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance. For example, a progesterone deficiency can cause fatigue, weight gain, irritability, depression, memory and concentration problems, headaches, irregular and painful mentstrual cycles, fluid retention, loss of sex drive, and cold hands and feet. These symptoms are also characteristic of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance.
Some symptoms of estrogen and testosterone deficiencies also resemble those of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance.
If lab testing is inconclusive, empirical evidence suggests it’s safe to try natural progesterone to see if your symptoms can be alleviated.
In correcting estrogen dominance, progesterone supplementation can play a major role in balancing your hormones, which can very likely include improved thyroid hormone function.
Liz Martin Dickison | Feb 27, 2011 | Reply
I completely agree with your information on progesterone and hypothyroidism. From my experience I have dropped 25 kgs due to the overall improvement in my health due to the impact of progesterone on my thyroid. This increased energy and significantly reduced depression enabled my to stick to my correct dietary program over an extended period of time, exercise gently and enjoy my life so much more. It has increased my self-confidence and resilience to stress as well. I couldn’t get these results with direct thyroid treatments. I also have clinically proven hypothyroidism and extremely low natural production of progesterone. Using progesterone I have also ‘lost’ my fibroids, improved my immunity and improved my memory and brain function.
I understand that every woman has a different biochemistry – I am grateful to find a good solution to my health conditions.
Do you have research science papers/references that I could access that support your information (above) on oestrogen blocking and progesterone/thyroid relationship?
Many thanks
Liz
Catherine | Mar 1, 2011 | Reply
Hormones in wellness and disease prevention: common practices, current state of the evidence, and questions for the future. Schwartz ET, Holtorf K.
Prim Care 2008;35(4):669-705.
This review examines the role of hormones as critical components of overall wellness, and therefore the potential for disease prevention of ensuring that hormone levels are optimal. The authors outline age-related hormone deficiencies and supplementation strategies. The review covers estrogens, Progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone and thyroid hormones, covering not only the effects of deficiency and the risk/benefit of supplementation, but also controversies surrounding such treatment. The diagnosis of hormone deficiency and monitoring of treatment is also discussed.
Article on Pubmed
The relationship between thyroid, estrogen and progesterone is one that begs for
additional study and research.
Katrina | Mar 22, 2011 | Reply
Do you have any tips on how I could get my doctor to do more extensive testing to determine hypothyroidism? Every woman in my family has it and I have almost every symptom. I am currently pregnant and my docs are completely stymied about why my body is metabolizing progesterone at an insanely fast rate. (I take high doses of injections AND suppositories of Progesterone and still have VERY low levels) I believe it is related to an under active thyroid, but because my T3 test was in the normal range, they do not feel I need any more testing. Any tips would be appreciated. I have suspected hypothyroidism for 3 years for my more troubling symptoms, but the T3 seems to be what they hang their hats on…I thought there were other tests?
Hila | Jul 4, 2011 | Reply
Katrina,
Have you asked your doctor for a saliva test instead of a blood test? Effective hormone levels are better tested in saliva, as this is represents the amount of hormone that has actually entered the tissues.
You can request a FHP (Female Hormonal Panel) to assess your main hormones for irregularities. Also, I highly recommend seeing an integrative health or alternative health doctor. It seems internists and endocrinologists and the like are very narrow in their assessment of test results.
Good luck!