I saw my doctor today and she noticed that my thyroid is enlarged so now I need to schedule a sonogram. Okay I have some questions:

1. Could soy have caused my thyroid to become enlarged?
2. Anyone else dealing with thyroid issues since entering peri/meno?
3. Could this thyroid issue be the reason why I've been gaining weight and having difficulty losing?

Thanks ladies.

Hi My Faith
I have been dealing with hypothyroidism since my mid 30's (I'm 46 now) I had an enlarged thyroid gland also which turned out to be a goiter. My Dr explained to me that the thyroid enlarges because its trying so hard to work properly. As for your questions:

Not sure about the soy. I do not use it but have read different reports on its affect on the thyroid gland. Some reports say it causes thyroid problems and others say its not a problem.
I think thyroid problems are common among are age group so if its related to peri its difficult to say.
And YES an underactive thyroid will cause you to gain weight and not be able to lose it.
Many symptoms of peri also are symptoms of thyroid issues so its good that you are getting a sonagram. There are alot of threads about the thyroid under "Other Midlife Issues". Check them out.

Good luck!
Cathy

Cathy, thanks for replying and the information. Could you please explain to me the difference between a goiter and hypothyrodism? Also, what medication are you taking and did it help with your overall wellbeing? Thanks again:).

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. A goiter is what they call an enlarged thyroid that is caused by the hypothyroidism. Some people with hypothyroidism do not develope this enlargement while others do. MyFaith have you had the bloodwork to check for thyroid function? (TSH being one) The sonogram will be just checking to make sure what the Dr is feeling is a simple goiter and nothing more serious. I am on the med levothyroxine...although I'm in Canada so not sure if the meds names are the same here. It takes a few weeks when starting treatment to start to feel better but it does happen. Remember if your in peri and having thyroid issues at the same time it will be difficult to tell what is causing what problem. So many symptoms are the same...fatigue, mentrual irregularities, weight gain, muscle pain etc. When peri hit I actually walked into my Dr's office and demanded my thyroid levels be rechecked. I was positive my med needed to raised to a stronger dose. I was wrong
Let me know how things go for you.
Take Care

Hi there MyFaith - and hello there Miss Cathy ...

Like Cathy - I have hypo. And levothyroxine is available in the U.S. and that's what I take. According to a local pharmasist said that soy can affect the thyroid meds if you take it at the same time. Advises to have 2 -3 hrs. in between soy items and thyroid meds.

MyFaith - blood work can quickly tell you if you have a thyroid problem - and if you do - your Dr. will prescribe medication. And oh my goodness - what a difference it made for me when I started taking levothyroxine - wow - what a wonderful positive difference it made for me (and the people around me ). Best wishes!!

SugarNSpice (((hugs))) long time no see Glad to hear your doing better!

Ahhh, I'm not on PS as much as before - I still check some things out though every so often. Thank goodness for Power Surge and the knowledge that I've learned, including the meno. sisters who have shared their experience...

And during the bad days - I remember that the peri.symptoms does goes away... And Cathy - all the things you have taught me about the thyroid and peri. made the bad days a little bit easier... Thanks sister I definelty feel better now compared to 2, 3,4, 5 years ago

And you meno. sisters - I promise - you'll feel better too.

Blessings,
Stacy

Received the results from the thyroid ultrasound and it does confirm that my thyroid is enlarges, there are no nodules thank God. So what now????????? The nurse gave me the results now I'm waiting to hear from my doctor.

What test should I request, are there natural remedies for hypothyroidism, how do you tell difference between thyroid or peri. symptoms?

I know that I have quite a few questions, but although my doctor is a very nice person I've gained valuable information from PS over the years. Thanks ladies .

Hi MyFaith

I would think your Dr would now want to start you on a thryroid medication. If you haven't yet had bloodwork to determine your TSH level etc.. you need to have that done. When first beginning treatment you will need levels checked regularly to see if you are on the right dosage. Sorry but I can't help you with any natural thyroid treatment. There really is no way of telling what symptoms are from your thyroid problem or peri. A good place to start is getting your thyroid under control and go from there. Let me know what your Dr has to say. Good luck and take care!

Cathy

Aww thanks Stacy. I'm glad I could help.