I take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed a few months after my son was born, around this time last year. At first I was over active and now I’m under. I had my dose increased gradually and am on 125 daily. My consultant discharged me to my GP a few weeks ago, all good.
This month my periods have gone totally haywire. I’m bleeding for the third time in 6 weeks. On googling i read that the thyroid can cause this. Does anyone have any experience of it? I have a GP appointment next week but if I’m honest I’m a bit scared so I’m hoping for some reassurance that this can happen
Written by
Beckywood89
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I too have very heavy periods since having hypothyroidism but just for 1 week/ month. And I am nearly constantly iron deficient as a result. Like you I developed a thyroid condition post-natally.
I had a very frequent (constant) period for a few months 20 years ago. I was told it was because I had polycystic ovaries. Eventually it righted itself. I was on the Pill for some of those months, which I then stopped taking, and wondered if some correlation.
Hopefully others have more understanding of this as a thyroid symptom.
I don’t know, I have a GP appointment later so I’ll ask. I also have RA so I have bloods done every 4 weeks for that but not sure they test for anything outside of their normal remit
I’d also recommend reading The period repair manual by Dr Lara Briden. One of the best books ever on the menstrual cycle and how to fix many of these issues. The thyroid does play a big part in this.
But PS. Given as how you are worried and it’s the first time you are having these symptoms, if the GP thinks these are a thyroid symptom and has ruled other things out, why not ask to see your consultant again?
Please go and see your GP. there can be lots of other reasons for this. If you have been Levothyroxine for some time, it could be another reason, such as cysts .
I have an appointment this afternoon. I had a small cyst when pregnant but as far as I know it went. I have an abdominal scan later this month but they’re checking my liver so I have no idea whether they would pick up on any cysts. I tell you I’m falling part! 😂
Irregular periods are very common with thyroid conditions and it is likely to be this. Have you any other symptoms? Do you have any blood results you can post? Have you had your ferretin, folate, vitamin D and B12 tested all of which affect thyroid health? Can you take your pulse and temperature, they are an accurate guide to thyroid health. Have you also had anitbodies taken. I presume you have hashis. A lot of people find going gluten free helps with autoimmune thyroid issues.
No recent bloods, i have them taken 4 weekly for my RA but the results go straight to my rheumy, i don’t see them (i don’t think!) a high pulse and temp is what made the doctors look at my thyroid and I don’t feel like I did then. I expect the GP will check later. I hadn’t heard of going gluten free. It doesn’t really appeal but perhaps I should try!
Thanks for all the replies! I also have RA and am having some investigations done on my liver (they think one of my meds might have sent something a bit squiffy) so with this on top I’m just feeling a bit delicate and overwhelmed right now! I don’t often have a woe is me session but sometimes it’s hard not to feel like I’ve been given a poor deal! Thanks for listening 😊
My periods completely stopped when I took thyroxine & started my early menopause. I had my thyroid completely removed & for they first year I was on Liothyronine & my periods were normal. I had a very bad reaction to thyroxine which included my periods stopping completely so I fought & got back on Liothyronine & my periods instantly returned to nearly normal. My old female gp thought menopause / period problems were not real & only in the mind so I sorted myself out with private gynaecologists / menopause clinics. It was worth spending a bit of money to connect with specialists who understand about the connection between the thyroid & hormones.
Oh that must have been pretty frightening! I only have my 16 month old and I would like another baby so I definitely don’t want to go through early menopause. Hopefully my GP will be understanding, otherwise I’ll ask to be referred back to the consultant
I was in my mid 40's when thyroxine stopped my periods & kickstarted my early menopause. You are a lot younger than me so they will be a lot better with you because you do want another baby. Have you also asked to be referred to a NHS gynaecologist? If you can't get what you need from your gp or consultant. Private Message me & I'll give you the info & links that helped me. Take Care
Presumably you have Hashimoto's as you also have RA
Do you always get same brand of Levothyroxine?
Change in brand of Levothyroxine can upset levels
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Heavy blood loss due to frequent periods can lead to low ferritin
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.
Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Thanks for the information. I believe I have Graves’ disease but I’m not 100%. I have so many medical terms thrown at me, most don’t stick. I have a letter from consultant to GP though which will say.
I have a blood test on Friday anyway so I’ll ring and ask for my thyroid to be checked.
I had a phone appointment with my GP and she said “do a pregnancy test and get your thyroid checked” which wasn’t massively helpful. Hopefully I’ll get to see a GP next week
If you are on Levothyroxine and never had thyroidectomy or Radio Active Iodine (RAI) treatment, then you won't have Graves (hyperthyroid)
High antibodies and hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's
Low vitamin levels are extremely common with both
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
I was the other way, when my thyroid problem first started my periods stopped altogether for a few months.It turned out I had Hashimotos, and had an overactive phase at the beginning, lost over a stone, couldn't sleep, feeling hyper.They then discovered I had a lump on my thyroid, which was eventually removed, then of course I went the other way.I think back and to be honest the overactive phase was the best! I'm now 2 stone heavier and can't seem to lose it.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Levothyroxine trial
just started on levothyroxine 
Too much levothyroxine? 
Levothyroxine and tiredness? Please help...
Post menopausal periods?
