Does underactive thyroid mess with your period?

Does underactive thyroid mess with your period?

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.

How do I know if my thyroid is affecting my period?

Menstrual abnormalities seen with hyperthyroidism include: Absent or infrequent periods: This is the most common symptom seen with severe hyperthyroidism. Too much thyroid hormone leads to increased SHBG, which can prevent ovulation. Light and short periods: Bleeding may be less than typical—and brief.

Can hypothyroidism cause irregular 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.

Why does thyroid become underactive?

An underactive thyroid often occurs when the immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the thyroid gland. This damages the thyroid, which means it’s not able to make enough of the hormone thyroxine, leading to the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

How does an underactive thyroid affect your menstrual cycle?

An underactive thyroid slows down metabolism, which can make you gain weight, feel tired or depressed . It can also affect your menstrual cycles, particularly the length of your cycle, the amount of bleeding, or the frequency of your cycles.

Can thyroid problems cause irregular periods?

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. If your body’s immune system causes thyroid disease, other glands, including your ovaries, may be involved.

What is hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)?

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

How do thyroid problems affect women differently than men?

How do thyroid problems affect women? Women are more likely than men to have thyroid disease. One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime. 1 In women, thyroid diseases can cause: Problems with your menstrual period. Your thyroid helps control your menstrual cycle.