Hyperthyroidism and periods

[tromashka]

Ladies,

Delicate matter.

Has anybody experienced drastic change in their menstrual cycle with hyperactive thyroid?

My cycle went from stable 25/27 days to 17 days. I've never experienced this and quite alarmed. Is this symptom of hyperthyroidism normal? Does it eventually go back to normal when in remission? Anything in particular I should ask my doctor about ?

Thanks in advance!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Exactly the same happened to me when started carbimazole. Long cycles & light periods drastically changed to short cycle and heavier periods too! It did settle down for me once my levels were stable. Although I have to say I have noticeable PMT & bloating now which I did not have before.

[tromashka in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi PurpleNails,Thanks for your support.

Yes, 2periods in a row closer together and heavier. Im using m cup so can properly see the increase. I was surprised the disballance happened only now, 5 months after I started experiencing the symptoms ( 2,5 months after starting carbimazole).

Did yours go back to normal after taking less carbimazole and stable hormone levels ? Im on 20mg carbimazole now and T4FREE/T3free are in range. TSH still supressed.

Did you supplement with iron or were you advised on anything specifically when experiencing this cycle move?

I appreciate your time ☺️

T

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to tromashka]

I never had a very regular cycle but I when my thyroid levels are rising or high I have light periods which is a known hyperthyroid symptom. Would prefer if they stayed like that but that’s not my normal.

I currently have low TSH, FT4 Midrange & FT3 around 20%. They seem slightly heavier but not a bad as when I first started carbimazole and was almost below range. I’d like to lower the carbimazole dose and allow my levels to rise a little but as I’m well I’m playing ball with the endo to see if my TSH rises & hopefully they won’t forget to test it next time.

I had ferritin tested around the time and it was ok, I didn’t supplement iron. I probably get more than adequate from diet. But you have a case for them to test you & supplement if you need iron.

My doctors didn’t offer any advice & not very supportive really as levels in range.....not thyroid related.

Never had hormones tested but I’m 43, and I lost 85 pounds last year so weight loss might have affected cycle.

[radd]

tromashka,

Thyroid hormones influence female hormones by high levels increasing their synthesis & metabolic clearance rate. This results in elevated oestrogen, testosterone, etc. Sometimes this will also increase SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) which transports estradiol, testosterone, etc, which then encourages more to be bound and less to be free (available for use).

Similar to the HPT & HPA axis, the HPG axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal) is also involved in a negative feedback system where the hypothalamus secretes GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) stimulating LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) produced in the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones then activate the ovaries to produce oestrogen that regulate the menstrual/ovarian cycle, and inhibin that inhibits activin and stimulates more GnRH production in the hypothalamus.

I was hypo and had an awful time with periods too so either way isn't good for the female reproductive system.

[tromashka in reply to radd]

Thank you for this explanation. I appreciate it.Im in my 40s and dont plan more children. But am quite upset with this disballance especially that I thought i was doing fine on getting into remission.

Would that be Endo's job to advise me on processes further?

Thanks again.

T

[radd in reply to tromashka]

tromashka,

Definitely worth mentioning but endo might only recognise your issues as some way off connection to thyroid which is not in his remit but those of a gyne.

And if the issues were caused by elevated thyroid hormone, they should hopefully rectify once thyroid hormones are stabilised anyway.

[Hidden]

I haven't been diagnosed yet but my period cycles have started to get longer and when I do come on, they're very light. Only use about 3 pads whereas years before I would go through at least 12 pads.

[tromashka in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing. Wishing us all well