[GLo22]

#1059724

Hi all! I’m back. Diagnosed with GD last year post pregnancy and had great success with MMI. Was about to try “remission” when an ultrasound showed 2 nodules. Both biopsies came back abnormal so I opted for TT to hopefully up my chances of getting pregnant again sooner. ( I’m 36).

Was feeling great post op and positive about my choice when my nosy neighbor saw my surgical site and proceeded to tell me I ” would never have a regular period again” and could go into menopause now.

Please would love any REAL info or advice/ experience from you ladies out there post TT and pregnancy or menstrual cycles. I’m so upset- why would she say that to me? I had wonderful surgeon and my endo is great and I think they would’ve warned me about that if it were true… ??? In fact my endo was worried that if I did RAI or tried to get pregnant on MMI/ptu then the antibodies would cause serious complications so they agreed surgery was a good option for me…

Thanks for your advice.

[snelsen]

#1177060

Hi. HOW UPSETTING to hear that from anyone, anytime! And especially when you are vulnerably post op.
She is 1000% wrong. It is such a dumb, irrelevant statement.
This forum addresses our own experiences, and so here is my wonderful experience.
I had a thyroidectomy. Also had a baby. Then had two more planned children.
I imagine your period will come as it always has. Mine did, although altered onset because of breast feeding.

I suggest you call one of your docs who will be super responsive to this question. I would call your endo pronto this morning, and try to convey how important it is for you to have knowledge and reassurance from him on this topic. I hate to have you entertaining this thought at all! Your job is to get well, and NOT have stress!
The surgeon will tell you that it is not related. Having said this, this is not his particular fund of knowledge. So your endo is better.

I took a look at the web, and there is much garbage and crap out there, and none of it is valid, and several of them apply the word “hormone” to
progesterone and estrogen, cause they don’t know any better. I mean that they don’t even know that thyroid hormone is totally unrelated. None of the sites are written by physicians. I imagine there are not a lot of studies about this because there is no reason at all to do the studies. It’s more like, “if i break my leg, will it cause menopause.” THis is my opinion.

Be sure to call your endo, and/or you docs to get the right answer.
Do write back. I don’t think you will get accurate information on the web.
You can also call a very experienced OB DOC.
SHIRLEY

[WWWI2]

#1177061

Not to be glib, but you may want to tell your neighbor that your ovaries and uterus are NOT in your neck.

WWWI

[vanillasky]

#1177062

I think that’s a stupid thing to say to someone. Is she a doctor? Geez! People make me mad!

I don’t see any relevance to that statement AT ALL. Ignore her.

[Kimberly]

#1177063

I think everyone else’s comments pretty much hit the nail on the head.

We have plenty of women here who have gone one to have successful pregnancies after a thyroidectomy.

Hopefully, you can steer clear of that nosy neighbor in the future!

[snelsen]

#1177064

Excellent responses! Especially the anatomy lesson by WWW12!
I hope you feel much reassured. Recover from your surgery, get regulated with your thyroid hormone of your choice, and plan that baby!
Shirley

[LaurelM]

#1177065

I have a good friend who had thyroid cancer about 15 years ago in her mid 20s. She had BOTH the total thyroidectomy and RAI at a significantly higher dose than GD patients receive. Her healthy little boy was born almost 5 years ago.

For GD patients though, regardless of treatment type, you will need your TSI tested during your pregnancy as the autoantibodies rarely can cross the placenta which may require medical intervention/monitoring during the pregnancy causing a temporary condition called Neonatal Graves. None of the treatments for GD affect the autoantibodies. This is RARE but your OB will need to be aware of your GD history.

Wishing you a speedy recovery so that you can move forward with your family plans!

Laurel

[GLo22]

#1177066

This forum is amazing and all your replies are a God-send. Thank you for your support and cheery (and funny! …The “anatomy” lesson) information. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

So, I did talk to my endo and , as you all made clear, she said that she has never heard of early menopause being a complication of TT. And she also said anecdotally she has never seen it:) Of course she did say that I could have a few “changes in my cycle” but that we would work together to track all my blood work and make corrections in meds as needed. ( She rocks). And my surgeon also said he’s never heard of early menopause issues either and that all of his patients who wanted to go on to have children, did!

But here’s the kicker… I actually started my lovely period yesterday right on cue. ( Sorry gentleman for the TMI). I was so distracted by surgery and my 15 month old that I forgot it was coming. LOL. The perfect ending of this story.

As for my neighbor, I don’t understand at all why she would even say something like that to anyone post-surgery. I do want her to know and will tell her, in a pleasant way, how she made me feel. I also would like to tell her a little about what having Graves disease is like and my journey. Perhaps she won’t be so quick to dole out incorrect and un-solicited “info” to the next of our GD sisters/brother’s she see’s out on the street just trying to live a healthy normal life.

Thanks again! Really, you made me sigh with relief and laugh. I needed that- you all know.

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