QuestionDoes hrt affect thyroid test results? My recent test results were: T4 1.4 reference: 1.8-8.8
TSH 0.38 reference: 0.4-4.50
My doctor says my result are normal, but they make no sense to me (very low TSH and low T4). Unless perhaps my hrt affects lab results. What do you think?
AnswerHi janet, I'd be glad to try and answer your question. I believe that your HRT may have affected your T4 and TSH results, only slightly though. And the difference between your results and "normal" results is very small (your TSH is only 2 hundreths of a point below normal), small enough to make me believe that your doctor is probably right, that everything's OK. Here's why HRT may affect thyroid tests: Estrogen needs to be balanced by appropriate levels of the hormone progesterone. If it isn't, and estrogen levels are too high, it can block the effect of the thyroid hormones. This means that even if your body is producing enough thyroid hormones, they are not able to be effective, and symptoms of can be experienced. But if you're having several of the following symptoms of an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism (low TSH), such as irritability, nervousness, brittle hair and thinning skin, weakness in the upper arms and thighs, excessive perspiration, increased bowel movement, increased heart rate, shaking hands, lighter periods, weight loss, and fewer periods you should follow up with your doctor. (You may notice though, that some of these symptoms are also symptoms of menopause.) Further testing may be required.
Samantha
**This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advice.**
