Sittin on the fence--estrogen and DHEA

[Guest guest]

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I have been taking HRT/DHEA by way of a troche from a compounding pharmacist.

.. . . Recently my estrogen levels went astronomical. However they were probably

like that for about 4 months. . . .Do you think that the estrogen and dhea

caused my hyerthyroidism to blow up again?

Hi Liz,

According to Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide, estrogen can be a trigger for

Graves'. The book also discusses the use of DHEA for adrenal insufficiency

accompanying hypothyroidism, so I imagine too much DHEA could trigger or worsen

Graves'.

I believe it's a question of maintaining the proper (delicate) balance. With

estrogen especially it is easy to get (be given) too much. When I developed

Graves' last fall I realized many of the supplements I was taking had

contributed to the problem, including kelp (iodine), extra zinc, and immune

system stimulants like echinacea. I also dropped any other possible stimulants,

which for me included DHEA because I was not taking it under dr.'s orders. Then

again, unless the practitioner tests your levels, he/she may overprescribe, too.

With the new studies discussing the dangers of HRT I anticipate skipping it

altogether and having to look to herbs and vitamins to get me through menopause.

I had planned to use soy and was already taking soy isoflavones for what I

thought were symptoms of menopause, but they were actually symptoms of Graves'

and the soy, another source of estrogen, probably made things worse.

All this detective work should help you immensely in the long run. I alternate

between regretting I did things wrong and being glad I realized it and could

change them.

Best wishes

B.