The thyroid, an endocrine gland situated in the neck, produces thyroid hormone, regulating various bodily activities, such as metabolism and heart rate. Disorders of the thyroid can lead to either excessive or insufficient hormone production, affecting crucial bodily functions. Also, any dysfunction of the thyroid gland can significantly impact menstrual cycles. We spoke to Dr Karthika Reddy Byreddy, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained the impact of thyroid health on your menstrual health.
Thyroid Health and Menstrual Cycles
“The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in controlling the body's metabolism and releasing essential hormones that govern various bodily functions. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt menstrual cycles, with symptoms varying based on the type and severity of the thyroid disorder”, said Dr Byreddy.
According to HHS Public Access, thyroid disease affects women more frequently than it does men, and it is most common during periods of hormonal fluctuation like menopause, adolescence, and pregnancy, which may suggest an estrogenic involvement.
Dr Byreddy added, “Women are more prone to thyroid diseases, with one in eight women developing thyroid problems during their lifetime.” She listed the impact of thyroid diseases as follows:
- Irregular menstrual periods: The thyroid plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Your periods may become extremely light, heavy, or irregular due to an excess or lack of thyroid hormone
- Amenorrhoea: It is a condition where periods stop for several months or longer.
- Complications with fertility and pregnancy: If your body's immune system causes thyroid disease, other glands, including your ovaries, may be involved. As a result, it can lead to early menopause (before age 40)
“The thyroid has a direct impact on the ovaries and also influences Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) indirectly through interaction. SHBG is a protein that ‘sticks’ to reproductive hormones so they can be carried throughout your body”, added Dr Byreddy. Menstrual issues are more prevalent in severe thyroid diseases compared to mild or moderate cases.
Also Read: Thyroid Disease In Women: Expert Explains Why Women Are More Prone To This Condition
Hypothyroidism Vs Hyperthyroidism
Menstrual irregularities can stem from either an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the body produces insufficient thyroid hormone, leading to various menstrual issues, such as:
- Heavy or frequent menstrual bleeding
- Infrequent or absent menstrual cycles
- Increased risk of infertility and miscarriage
“Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement medication, is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism”, said Dr. Byreddy.
Also Read: Hypothyroidism And Weight Loss: Expert Lists Tips To Lose Weight With This Health Condition
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, characterised by excessive thyroid hormone production, can cause menstrual abnormalities including:
- Absent or infrequent periods: When severe hyperthyroidism is present, this is the most typical symptom
- Light and short periods: Bleeding may be shorter-lived than usual
- Decreased fertility: Not ovulating can impact your fertility
- Risk of miscarriage: Excess thyroid hormone production during pregnancy also increases miscarriage risk
“Antithyroid drugs can help regulate thyroid function and alleviate menstrual and fertility problems. The thyroid can also be shrunk with Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI). However, this treatment is not safe during pregnancy”, added Dr Byreddy.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]