vulvodynia and hypothyroidism?

[roseprintglass.livejournal.com]

 Hello everyone, I had a couple questions regarding vulvodynia and those of you who might also have thyroid issues. I have had vulvodynia for a little over a year now, and I find that my pain tends to fluctuate along with my cycle; the pain being highest before I'm about to have a period.

Recently I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, after having a whole host of vague symptoms and not really getting any answers. Thanks to a blood test confirmation, I am now being treated with fifty micrograms of levothyroxin, which, though it has been less than a week, has done absolute wonders for my health and well being. 

So, my question is this: since taking the medication, I have noticed quite a reduction in vulvodynia pain. This strikes me as odd, especially considering that I'm due to have a period soon. I'm really trying to not get my hopes up here, but there is a part of me that wonders if there's a correlation between my thyroid issues now being treated and my vulvodynia pain being managed better. Has anyone else had experience with this? 

Comments

[quietchildae.livejournal.com]

This is in no way scientific, or factual thinking here, just my general meandering - and I'm hoping archangelbeth stops by to comment with her excellent input on thyroid issues.

That said, I think there is so much we don't understand about the thyroid, and how it is connected to everything else, much less vulvodynia. I think it is perfectly possible that starting to treat the thyroid issue could result in some relief for the vulvodynia as well. It may also be that because you are generally feeling better, you are more able to cope with the vulvodynia as well - basically, there's no actual reduction in symptoms, but because you are generally healthier, it hurts "less", if that makes sense.

Glad you're feeling better!

[roseprintglass.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! Yes, I think that could be part of it. I actually have felt, after going through therapy for a few months, a sense of symptom relief as well, which makes me think there's also an emotional component to this whole vulvodynia thing, at least for me.

[archangelbeth]

Hiya! The link is not one that I've heard of, though you might want to directly ask at thyroid as well, but like quietchildae, it wouldn't surprise me if the thyroid had influence all over the body. Many people get aches and pains in general if their thyroids are out of whack, and nerve endings have a lot of biochemistry to do their thing. Also, if your vulvodynia is subject to hormonal changes, being worse at some times of the month? That suggests that it might be more affectable by overall biochemistry than other kinds of vulvodynia which are constant. So, between the emotional ability to cope and physical adjustments? Could be. And if it's some kind of placebo effect, I say run with it. O;>

Crossing fingers that everything sorts out excellently for you!

[roseprintglass.livejournal.com]

yeah, I think you are right, I should just go with it! I guess it's the whole, change is scary even if it's a good change, haha. I've definitely gotten a lot of weird aches and pains with this whole thyroid thing too (or at least I think that's what was causing it), especially really awful back pain. I will be so happy if that goes away too,!! Thank you so much for your answer, and I will definitely look at the thyroid community!! :)