Your thyroid helps control your menstrual cycle
. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make your periods very light, heavy, or irregular. Thyroid disease also can cause your periods to stop for several months or longer, a condition called amenorrhea.
Why does thyroid affect menstrual cycle?
For someone with hypothyroidism,
the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones
. This causes a general slowing down of many of the body's functions, and can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle (1). Hypothyroidism affects up to 2 in 100 people, with women being more affected than men (2-4).
How does hypothyroidism affect menstrual cycle?
Hypothyroidism Can Make Periods Heavy, Absent, or Irregular
“This can be monthly in some women and far apart in others.” Changes in prolactin levels can lead to thinning of the uterine lining and changes in how the pituitary gland controls the ovaries; both can result in periods stopping completely, says Dr. Spencer.
What medications affect menstrual cycle?
- Oral Contraceptive Pills: The ‘pill' usually has a positive effect on the menstrual cycle. …
- Aspirin: …
- Ibuprofen: …
- Antipsychotic and Anti-Depressant Medication: …
- Weight Loss Pill: …
- Chemotherapy: …
- Steroids: …
- Other forms of Contraceptives:
Can medication delay your period?
There are a few medications that can cause changes, including delays, to your period
. This includes: aspirin and other blood thinners. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Can a woman with thyroid problems get pregnant?
An undiagnosed thyroid condition can make it difficult to conceive
. It can also cause problems during pregnancy itself. Once the over- or underactive thyroid is under control, however, there is no reason why you should not have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems in females?
- Fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Weight loss.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Increased heart rate.
- Sensitivity to heat.
- Sensitivity to cold.
Can hypothyroidism cause delayed periods?
Because women's reproductive systems depend on thyroid hormones,
hypothyroidism can affect menstrual cycles
. One study showed that over 20% of women with hypothyroidism had some type of irregular period, especially heavy periods or infrequent periods.
What causes delayed period?
Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of a missed period
, but there are some other medical and lifestyle factors that can affect your menstrual cycle. Extreme weight loss, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the most common causes if you're not pregnant.
Why is my period late lately?
Missed or late periods happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Common causes can range from
hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions
. There are also two times in a woman's life when it's totally normal for her period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when menopause starts.
Why have my periods suddenly changed?
Pregnancy, aging, medical conditions, or medications
are common culprits for a change in menstrual cycle length. You should see a healthcare provider for any sudden change in your menstrual cycle. This includes skipped periods, painful periods, unusually heavy bleeding, or longer menstrual cycles than usual.
Can taking antibiotics affect your period?
Can antibiotics affect your period?
Antibiotics do not cause late, early, or absent periods or heavy and prolonged menstruation
. The most likely cause for an irregular period on antibiotics is usually the infection for which an antibiotic was prescribed.
How much delay in periods is normal?
A period that starts
between one and four days
earlier or later than expected is considered normal.
How many days late can a period be before worrying about pregnancy?
You can take a pregnancy test about two weeks after your estimated ovulation day, but the earlier you take a test the less accurate it may be and some brands are more sensitive than others (1). You should probably take a pregnancy test or contact your healthcare provider if your period is
nine or more days
late.
Does thyroid affect ovulation?
With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones.
Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation)
, which impairs fertility.
How can I control my thyroid to get pregnant?
If you had hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) before getting pregnant,
your healthcare provider may prescribe antithyroid medicines called propylthiouracil in the first trimester and change to medications called methimazole in the second and third trimesters
.
How does hyperthyroidism affect menstrual cycle?
In someone with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones. This is different from hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This causes an acceleration of many of the body's functions, and
can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle
(2).
How can I check my thyroid at home?
At what age do thyroid problems start?
The disease is hereditary and may develop at
any age in men or women, but it's much more common in women ages 20 to 30
, according to the Department of Health and Human Services . Other risk factors include stress, pregnancy, and smoking.
How do you feel when your thyroid is acting up?
- Larger appetite than usual.
- Sudden weight loss, even though you're eating the same amount of food or more.
- Fast or uneven heartbeat or sudden pounding of your heart (palpitations)
- Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability.
- Trembling in your hands and fingers (called tremors)
- Sweating.
- Changes in your period.
Can I get pregnant with hypothyroidism and regular periods?
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are known to prevent ovulation, the monthly process in which an egg is released to be fertilized.
If no egg is released, you can't get pregnant, even if you're having regular menstrual periods
.
