What is levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is a drug used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism. This synthetic hormone, which is prescribed and sold under the name “levothyroxine”, is used to compensate for the lack of natural thyroid hormone in the body. The use of this medicine may affect menstruation. Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the body, which can lead to improper regulation of ovulation and menstruation in women.
What does levothyroxine have to do with menstruation?
By increasing the levothyroxine hormone in the body, the level of thyroid hormones improves and hypothyroidism is minimized. This can help improve symptoms caused by thyroid hormone deficiency. These symptoms include: fatigue, reduced physical strength, weight gain, depression and anxiety.
If the thyroid hormones in the body are insufficient or there is a disorder that causes the thyroid to be low, the regulatory function of the body’s systems may be affected. This system includes the ovulation and menstruation regulation system. For some women, an imbalance of thyroid hormones can lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
This is why levothyroxine intake and proper regulation of thyroid hormones can affect the control of menstruation and its changes. But it’s important that people with hypothyroidism or other thyroid problems consult with their doctor to fully understand the issues related to thyroid hormones and their effects on health and menstruation, and to receive appropriate treatment.
What are the side effects of levothyroxine?
A number of side effects associated with levothyroxine that can affect menstruation include:
- Improper dosage adjustment: Improper or irregular use of levothyroxine can cause an imbalance of thyroid hormones and affect the menstrual cycle.
- Delay in dose adjustment: Often times, after starting levothyroxine treatment or changing its dose, it takes several weeks for thyroid hormones to balance and menstruation may be affected during this period.
- Side effects: Some people may experience unpleasant side effects in response to levothyroxine that can affect their periods.
Does hypothyroidism pill delay periods?
Yes, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to missed periods (irregular or delayed periods). Thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) play an important role in regulating the body’s regulatory system, which includes the regulation of ovulation and menstruation.
Women with hypothyroidism may experience changes in their menstrual periods. Some of the effects of hypothyroidism on the menstrual period include:
- Delayed or irregular periods: A lack of thyroid hormones can affect the process of ovulation and the release of an egg from the ovary, which can lead to delayed or irregular periods.
- Decreasing the process of the ovulation system: lack of thyroid hormones can have a negative effect on the process of the ovulation system and cause a decrease in ovulation.
- Changes in the intensity and duration of periods: Hypothyroidism may cause changes in the intensity and duration of the menstrual period, so that bleeding may be more or less than usual.
- Incomplete Menstruation: In some cases, hypothyroidism can lead to incomplete menstruation, meaning that menstruation starts but does not complete completely.
How does thyroid hormone deficiency cause menstrual disorders?
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid becomes underactive. The high level of prolactin hormone in hypothyroidism reduces the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus. This issue reduces the production of ovulation stimulating hormones (FSH and LH) in the pituitary gland. These hormones are very important for the regulation and normal functioning of women’s ovaries. The decrease in the level of these hormones as a result of hypothyroidism can lead to abnormalities in the menstrual period of women.
Hypothyroidism can reduce ovulation and lead to a phenomenon called anovulation, which causes heavy periods. In some women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism, this anovulation or lack of ovulation can lead to irregular growth and unpredictable uterine shedding and heavy uterine bleeding.
Changes in prolactin levels (another hormone in the body) can also lead to thinning of the uterine lining and changes in the pituitary gland’s control over the ovaries, both of which may cause periods to stop altogether.
In other words, hypothyroidism can have a destructive effect on a woman’s menstrual cycle and lead to menstrual abnormalities such as heavy menstruation, menstrual inconsistency or complete cessation of menstruation.
What strategies are there to reduce the effect of levothyroxine on menstruation?
To reduce the effect of levothyroxine on menstruation, you can use the following:
- Fine-tuning of the drug dose: If the levothyroxine drug has caused adverse changes in your menstruation, consult your doctor to change the drug dose and improve it. Precise adjustment of drug dosage can reduce side effects and facilitate menstrual recovery.
- Regular follow-up with your doctor: Maintaining regular interactions with your doctor and getting regular blood tests can help you better control your thyroid and menstruation.
- Healthy and varied nutrition: Eating healthy and varied foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals helps to improve the function of the female reproductive system and improve menstruation.
- Reducing stress: Stress can affect the balance of hormones and affect the menstrual cycle. Use relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to reduce stress.
- Taking herbal supplements: Some herbal supplements such as some herbs and extracts may help to improve menstruation. Before using any supplement, be sure to consult your doctor.
- Consistency in taking the medicine: It is important to take levothyroxine medicines regularly and on time and make any changes in the dose of the medicine only with the guidance of the doctor.
Finally, it should be said that the management of hypothyroidism is done by taking levothyroxine tablets. With regular and correct use of medicine, the level of thyroid hormones is balanced and hormonal problems are controlled. If you have problems with menstruation and are suffering from hypothyroidism, it is better to consult your doctor to get proper diagnosis and treatment and to manage your hormonal problems properly. In general, if you notice that taking levothyroxine is having a detrimental effect on your periods or are concerned about any changes in your periods, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your thyroid hormone issues and give you the necessary guidance to maintain your health and regular periods.
References
https://www.webmd.com/women/meds-affect-period#:~:text=Thyroid%20Medication,-Your%20thyroid%20is&text=If%20it%20doesn’t%20make,cause%20changes%20in%20your%20period.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hypothyroidism/irregular-periods/
Levothyroxine: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)
