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Can A Person With Low Progesterone Level Have Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Question: Endocrinology

Can a person with a low level of Progesterone have symptoms that mimic those of Hypothyroidism?

If so, would you recommend Progesterone treatment to help patient feel better overall.

If not, why not?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Symptoms of low progesterone are not typically similar to those with Hypothyroidism.

They are two distinctly and different medical conditions.

Furthermore, low progesterone generally does not occur in isolation. It is accompanied by loss of the other female hormone called estrogen. This happens naturally at menopause, and may occur abnormally early ('premature menopause') or due to surgery or radiation or chemotherapy.

Progesterone levels fluctuate during a normal menstrual cycle too.However that is normal and not considered a medical problem.

There are a few symptoms that can present similarly though. For example, in a woman who has achieved menopause, regardless of whether it is premature or at a normal time, the loss of estrogen and progesterone can lead to low libido (sexual desire)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)
I understand that they are 2 distinctly and different medical conditions.
What symptoms would one feel if Progesterone / estrogen were low? Besides libido. Would it effect inability to loose weight, poor memory, infertility, and depression? just to name a few. The articles I have read list the above mentioned as symptoms.
Could a high dose of radioactive iodine be a catalyst in have low Progesterone?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Symptoms due to abnormally low progesterone and estrogen such as is the case with menopause include the ones you have mentioned and others like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, and joint pains.
Inability to lose weight has not been established as a problem directly related to low estrogen/progesterone.
Indeed some of these symptoms mimic those seen in hypothyroidism.

High dose radio-iodine is not known to lower progesterone


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (46 hours later)
After XXXXXXX to treat Graves, I was prescribed synthroid to treat hypothyroidism. Currently on. 175 and 10mg Cytomel. So many people, myself included, complain of feeling terrible Hypo symptoms despite blood work falling within the "normal range". Symptoms include, brain fog, poor memory, inability to lose weight and depression. This is inclusive of a healthy diet and exercise program. The symptoms do not improve. Why is this? What are we not finding that can be the culprit of these symptoms? And.. Happy Holidays. :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Second follow up

Detailed Answer:
Yes I do understand what you are saying here.This is indeed frustrating for many.
It is an active area of scientific research to try and get to the bottom of this.

For now, most endocrinologists worldwide follow authoritative guidelines from thyroid expert societies and prescribe only levo thyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism in the vast majority of cases, including those like you who have received XXXXXXX for Graves disease.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (5 hours later)
Thank you for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Best wishes for good health
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Can A Person With Low Progesterone Level Have Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: No Detailed Answer: Symptoms of low progesterone are not typically similar to those with Hypothyroidism. They are two distinctly and different medical conditions. Furthermore, low progesterone generally does not occur in isolation. It is accompanied by loss of the other female hormone called estrogen. This happens naturally at menopause, and may occur abnormally early ('premature menopause') or due to surgery or radiation or chemotherapy. Progesterone levels fluctuate during a normal menstrual cycle too.However that is normal and not considered a medical problem. There are a few symptoms that can present similarly though. For example, in a woman who has achieved menopause, regardless of whether it is premature or at a normal time, the loss of estrogen and progesterone can lead to low libido (sexual desire)