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Taking Levothyroxine. Have Dry Mouth, Getting Irregular Period, Rapid Heartbeat And Constipated. Cause
Question: I am 44. I take levothyroxine, (although not as regularly as I should),cause of modified radical neck dissection in my 20's from papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. My last three periods have been irregular. 3 months ago it lasted 3 days, last month it was five days late and lasted 8 days, this month 5 days late and so far 11 days long. I'm having a little constipation and last night felt kinda shaky from what felt like rapid heartbeat. I also had some dry mouth last night.
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Irregular periods can be related to a number of different conditions.
The most common causes are: (1) emotional or physical stress
(2) extreme physical activity
(3) inadequate diet
(4) high levels of a hormone called prolactin. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and an abnormal increase can be associated with delayed or irregular periods, it is diagnosed by a blood test.If increased, a CT is done to determine if there are any lesions that may be contributing to the level found.
(5)PCOS , this stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is diagnosed in women with a history of irregular periods with cysts in the ovaries. There is also a history of abnormal hair growth (facial hair or chest or abdominal hair), problems conceiving and increased weight. Treatment varies according to whether the woman wants to conceive or not.
(6)Another common reason for irregular periods is abnormal level of the thyroid hormone.In your case, this is a probable cause. It would also contribute to the other symptoms that you are experiencing.
It would be best, if possible , to have your TSH level checked to see if it is appropriate. If it is abnormal , your doctor may suggest a change in the dose of the medication if he or she believes that is necessary.
It is difficult to take medication consistently on a long term basis but if it is possible for you to regularise your use of the levothyroxine, it may help.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Irregular periods can be related to a number of different conditions.
The most common causes are: (1) emotional or physical stress
(2) extreme physical activity
(3) inadequate diet
(4) high levels of a hormone called prolactin. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and an abnormal increase can be associated with delayed or irregular periods, it is diagnosed by a blood test.If increased, a CT is done to determine if there are any lesions that may be contributing to the level found.
(5)PCOS , this stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is diagnosed in women with a history of irregular periods with cysts in the ovaries. There is also a history of abnormal hair growth (facial hair or chest or abdominal hair), problems conceiving and increased weight. Treatment varies according to whether the woman wants to conceive or not.
(6)Another common reason for irregular periods is abnormal level of the thyroid hormone.In your case, this is a probable cause. It would also contribute to the other symptoms that you are experiencing.
It would be best, if possible , to have your TSH level checked to see if it is appropriate. If it is abnormal , your doctor may suggest a change in the dose of the medication if he or she believes that is necessary.
It is difficult to take medication consistently on a long term basis but if it is possible for you to regularise your use of the levothyroxine, it may help.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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