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What Causes Irregular Periods When Suffering From Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Question: I am a 20 year old female. I am hypothyroid and being treated for same since last 4 years .Medication which was 50 mg thyronorm increased to 75 mg lately. My periods have been irregular and last from 29 days to 39 days at times. Is this normal? Also some of my periods are very painful with nauseating feeling and at least a couple of them with diarrhea , while others are normal without substantial pain or any such symptoms. What can I do to make these periods normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not all your symptoms are due to hypothyroidism

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
I noted that ( from the last question) your last TSH was 8.9 and hence, Thyronorm dose has been escalated to 75 mcg. Hypothyroidism can cause irregular periods. But pain during periods is unlikely to be due to hypothyroidism. Normal period is from 24-35 day range. If periods coming > 45 days gap and < 24 days gap, it is abnormal.
DO you have pain during intercourse? Any frequent burning micturition ?

Due to the pain and other symptoms, it is better to rule out endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases as other causes of these symptoms. Please meet a gynecologist who can examine you and advice you further.
Regards
Binu

Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (19 days later)
As per your advice we have carried out fresh tests after about 6 weeks from the last test. The report is attached. As I see that TSH has dropped to 0.71. all other parameters T3/T4, FT3 and FT4 seem to be normal.
Please advise further advise / adjustment of thyronorm. FYG I have been taking 75 mg all this time which was increased from 50 mg.
Also please comment on the anti bodies test AMA as well as ATG which are positive.
her body temperature remains on the lower side about 97.3/ 97.6 and blood pressure also remains low about 70/100
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please continue same dose

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Thank you for contacting again. The new THYROID fuction tests are i excellent range. TSH of 0.71 is in normal range. FT4 also is very normal. Please continue same dose ( 75 mcg) of thyronorm. This is absolutely normal result and this is what we want in a 20 year old active lady.

The antibodies are high suggestive of auto immune Hypothyroidism ( HAshimoto's thyroidistis). This means that she will need long term, probably life long replacement with Thyronorm. There is no need to repeat the antibody test again. However, it also means that her dose may need to be increased in the future based on her weight ( most people will require nearly 100 mcg eventually). For time being, contine 75 mcg Thyronorm and re check Free T4 and TSH after 4-5 months.

Again, this is a simple disease to treat and Thyronorm has no side effects.
Plese feel free to ask further if you have any more questions. If there are no more questions, may i request you to kidly close the query.
Wish you good health
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (19 hours later)
Just a small concern. since TSH is now close to lower limit , is there any possibility of me becoming HYPER thyroid during this period of 4/5 months of 75 mg of thyronorm as recommended. DO I need to watch out for any symptoms for same / If yes what symptoms.

OR
I just forget and continue with 75 mg thyronorm without any concerns.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Next blood test

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
75 mcg is not a huge dose ( it is microgram, not miligram). And you are not hyperthyroid now. Currently your Ft4 is wonderful and TSH is perfect.

If you go to a general physician, they may reduce the dose. But for an endocrinologist, this is a perfect blood report in a 20 year old lady who is active. Please do not worry. Continue 75 mcg now.

No need to get scared of Hyperthyroidism at this stage. You may watch for palpitations, tremors in hands etc and if so, please repeat the TSH and Free T4 test ( fasting without tablets). Otherwise, 4 months is a good period to check again.
Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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What Causes Irregular Periods When Suffering From Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: Not all your symptoms are due to hypothyroidism Detailed Answer: Good day, Noted your concern. I noted that ( from the last question) your last TSH was 8.9 and hence, Thyronorm dose has been escalated to 75 mcg. Hypothyroidism can cause irregular periods. But pain during periods is unlikely to be due to hypothyroidism. Normal period is from 24-35 day range. If periods coming > 45 days gap and < 24 days gap, it is abnormal. DO you have pain during intercourse? Any frequent burning micturition ? Due to the pain and other symptoms, it is better to rule out endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases as other causes of these symptoms. Please meet a gynecologist who can examine you and advice you further. Regards Binu Regards Binu