Menstrual problems in thyroid disease

Thyroid problems whether it is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism exert a significant effect on periods of a woman. Here Depression in thyroid abnormalities we have seen that thyroid abnormalities also leads to depression and a menstrual disorder can be additive factor to this depression. There may be various types of menstrual disorder in a case of thyroid disease.

Types of menstrual disorder in thyroid disease

The various types of menstrual disorders seen in thyroid abnormalities are

Menstrual disorder in hyperthyroidism

Amenorrhea means absent period and oligomenorrhea means scanty period. This is seen mainly in hyperthyroidism. There may also be delayed menstruation in hyperthyroidism and also the period will in irregular, infrequent and sporadic.

The girl may attain late puberty and their onset of menstruation may be late after 15 years of age or even more.

Menstrual disorder in hypothyroidism

In contrast to hyperthyroidism, there is heavy period in hypothyroidism which may last long, the feature is called menorrhagia. The duration of bleeding is more and there may be early periods means period starts before the due dates. The normal cycle of 28 days may reduce to 25 days or even 20 days in some cases.

Woman with hypothyroidism may also suffer from painful menstruation, the pain may be dull, aching associated with backache, cramps in legs, headache and often nausea and vomiting.

Management of menstrual disorder in thyroid problem

The menstrual problem in most of the cases corrects when thyroid abnormalities are corrected. Management includes a thorough investigation and treatment.

Investigations in menstrual disorder with thyroid disease

The woman with any complaints of menstrual problem should be thoroughly investigated for thyroid hormones mainly thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4. In hyperthyroidism where TSH is below normal and T3 and T4 levels are elevated, while in hypothyroidism TSH level is more than normal and T3 and T4 are under normal.

Apart from investigating thyroid hormone levels, it is also necessary to get investigated for other hormones like serum prolactin level, which can be increased. Leutinizing hormone (LH) and Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) level are also investigated and this can be also a reason for menstrual problem. Ideal time for investigating LH and FSH is 2nd or 3rd menstrual day.

Treatment of menstrual disorder with thyroid disorder

In hypothyroidism, a hormone replacement by eltroxin or thyronorm is done according to the level of thyroid hormone. Excessive bleeding may lead to anemia and iron supplement may be required. In painful menstruation symptomatic management is done by analgesics. Calcium supplement is also helpful in dysmenorrhea.

Some ayurvedic herbs is expected to be beneficial in delayed menstruation, these include parsley, ginger, yarrow, sage, and feverfew. Herbs such as chamomile, red raspberry, lemon balm, red clover, catnip, and comfrey root are helpful in dysmenorrheal as well as to curb excessive bleeding.

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Dr. S. Choudhary
Health is Wealth

Healing by Yoga