Hypothyroidism's Special Impacts on Women

Let’s get personal, ladies.

Hypothyroidism wreaks havoc on so many systems of the body, the female reproductive system is no different. We already know that women are more likely than men to experience thyroid disease, but women are especially more likely to experience issues after big hormone changes like pregnancy and menopause. However, I have had hypothyroidism since my early high school years so it is not always brought on by these hormonal changes.
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Let’s talk about how your thyroid can wreak havoc on your lady parts.

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Your Period
Too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause very light, heavy or irregular periods – such as your period stopping for several months. Heavy periods are defined by bleeding more than 7 days, soaking more than 1 pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row, having to wear more than 1 pad at a time to control the flow, having to change a pad or tampon during the night and/or menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists).

Missing or infrequent periods can also occur with hypothyroidism. An increase in thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) triggers the pituitary gland to release prolactin, which interferes with the production of estrogen from the ovaries causing infrequent or missed periods. Increased levels of prolactin in the body can also cause discharge from the breasts and symptoms of menopause.

Menstrual irregularities tend to be more common in those with severe hypothyroidism in comparison with those having a mild form, though that is not always the case.
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Infertility
It should come as no surprise after reading above, that if your period is affected, your ovulation can be affected by thyroid disease also. Hypothyroidism can cause the body to produce too much prolactin, which is the hormone that causes the body to make breastmilk. Too much prolactin at the wrong time can prevent ovulation causing infertility.
Infertility is certainly one of the biggest issues I hear about in women with hypothyroidism. Don’t give up hope, ladies! Sometimes infertility is caused by hormone imbalances. Be sure to talk about that with your doctor if you have struggled to get pregnant.

Issues During Pregnancy
Hormones associated with pregnancy don’t play well with the thyroid or thyroid hormones. Thyroid levels increase during pregnancy but also fluctuate making it hard to manage. It is important to check your thyroid levels prior to, during and after (discussed below) pregnancy to identify and manage issues more easily. If hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism goes uncontrolled, problems may arise for both momma and baby.

Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth rate and miscarriage. Hypothyroidism can cause anemia, preeclampsia, low birth weight, miscarriage, still birth and developmental issues for the infant. Women with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarrying during the 1st trimester. If you have a family history or suspect you have thyroid issues it is important to stay on top of your thyroid levels during pregnancy.

Issues After Pregnancy
Women may develop postpartum thyroiditis after giving birth. The symptoms are very similar to the “baby blues” in that the new mother may feel very tired and moody (who can blame her, right?). Postpartum depression may be inaccurately diagnosed when there is an underlying thyroid condition (kinda like depression/anxiety unrelated to pregnancy). If you aren’t feeling right, talk to your doctor and ask for a thyroid test.

There are typically two phases to postpartum thyroiditis, though not everyone goes through both phases: Phase One – the damaged thyroid is leaking hormones into the bloodstream causing hyperthyroidism; Phase Two – the now wrung-out thyroid is causing hypothyroidism because most of the thyroid hormone has been lost during Phase One.

Women who have a family history of thyroid issues or personal history of postpartum thyroiditis are at risk of developing postpartum thyroiditis in subsequent pregnancies. Also, if you already have an immune disease (Hashimoto’s or Type 1 Diabetes), you have a greater chance of developing this condition.
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The thyroid generally returns to normal within 18 months after symptoms begin and the disease is treated based on the phase and symptoms being exhibited. Women who have a history of postpartum thyroiditis have a higher risk of developing permanent hypothyroidism.

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The good news is this: Hypothyroidism is treatable! Staying on top of your treatment and any environmental and nutritional changes is vital, but women live with hypothyroidism every day! Is it challenging? Absolutely! Do you have to change aspects of your life? Sometimes. Is it worth doing that to feel better? Definitely!

Be sure to stay on top of your thyroid testing before, during and after pregnancy – especially if you have a history of thyroid disease or if it runs in your family. Your health and the health of your baby depends on it.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are having abnormal periods. There is an underlying cause and your body is trying to tell you something. It isn’t always thyroid disease, but it isn’t a bad place to start.




And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who made the promise.
- Hebrews 11:11 


 
Do you experience or have experience with any of the issues discussed above? How did you overcome or have you?