Abnormal Menses & Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can cause abnormal menstruation. Overactive thyroid glands, called hyperthyroidism, and underactive thyroid glands, called hypothyroidism, can cause menstrual irregularities. These abnormalities span both ends of the spectrum--from heavy menstruation to light or absent periods. Treatment is available for both types of thyroid diseases.

The Thyroid Gland

• The thyroid is a gland located in your neck. It converts iodine (salt) into thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

  The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, located at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) when your thyroid hormone levels drop below a certain point.

  The thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolism.

  The pituitary gland is controlled by another gland, the hypothalamus, located in your brain. The hypothalamus releases hormones that tell the pituitary gland to produce TSH.

Hypothyroidism and Menstruation

• Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include heavy menstrual periods, early menstruation in adolescents, painful menstruation and longer or more frequent periods. Hormonal imbalances stemming from the hypothalamus can contribute to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism and Menstruation

• Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much T3 and T4. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include light menstruation or delayed puberty, infrequent periods or an absence of menstruation. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a hormonal imbalance stemming from the hypothalamus.

Causes of Thyroid Disease

• Thyroid diseases have many causes. They include autoimmune diseases, cancer, and abnormal growths on the thyroid gland.

Treatment

• Although there is no cure for hyper- or hypothyroidism, there are treatments that can help you maintain normal levels of T3 and T4. According to endocrineweb.com, treatment for hyperthyroidism usually involves taking a beta- blocker pill. Treatment for hypothyroidism generally involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone in the form of a pill. See the resources links on this page for more information about treatments.

Tips

• Once you achieve normal thyroid hormone levels, your menstrual abnormalities should be relieved. Consult a physician to be sure that your abnormalities are a symptom of the thyroid disease.