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Long periods
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An_247314 posted:
Hi, I am 25 years old, unmarried and I have hypothyroid but my Thyroid is in normal range for last 7-8 months. My problem is that for last 8 months i.e. since my thyroid has come to normal levels my periods extends upto 9th day which use to stop by 7th day earlier. I have normal cycle as my periods starts in between 30-33 days every time and heaviest days being 2 till 4th day of the period. Also, for last 8 months I am not experiencing any pain or cramp during periods which used to be worse before.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Long periodsHi, I am 25 years old, unmarried and I have hypothyroid but my Thyroid is in normal range for last 7-8 months. My problem is that for last 8 months i.e. since my thyroid has come to normal levels my periods extends upto 9th day which use to stop by 7th day earlier. I have normal cycle as my periods starts in between 30-33 days every time and heaviest days being 2 till 4th day of the period. Also, for last 8 months I am not experiencing any pain or cramp during periods which used to be worse before.
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: As you likely know, being hypothyroid interferes with ovulations. This can create both irregular flows as well as prolonged/heavier flows which are not proceeded by the usual PMS-type symptoms including menstrual cramping. It can also make it harder for hypothyroid women to conceive.

What is most interesting in your specific case is that just the opposite seems to have occurred. Your flows are now slightly longer, and you are not having your usual cramps ever since your thyroid got back into normal range with medication. Some POSSIBLE explanations might be:

1. You are suddenly missing ovulations for some other reason (eg weight changes, stress, ovarian cyst, etc, etc.)

2. You are still ovulating, but have shifted into a different "normal-for-you" menstrual pattern.

3. Longer/heavier periods can also be prompted by fibroids in the uterus, infections of the uterus (eg chlamydia), adenomyosis (doubt this with less cramps), or some other uterine factor.

Bottom line, since this is a concern, you should see your GYN or clinic for the most "for sure" answer. They might even want to recheck your TSH or free T4 levels just to confirm your thyroid status--or bring your most recent lab results from your endocrinologist or primary care MD.

If you do get a definitive answer would you consider writing us all back? Through the magic of the Internet your answer may provide valuable information to a woman with hypothyroidism in the future.

In Gratitude,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Long periodsDear An: As you likely know, being hypothyroid interferes with ovulations. This can create both irregular flows as well as prolonged/heavier flows which are not proceeded by the usual PMS-type symptoms including menstrual cramping. It can also make it harder for hypothyroid women to conceive.<br /><br />What is most interesting in your specific case is that just the opposite seems to have occurred. Your flows are now slightly longer, and you are not having your usual cramps ever since your thyroid got back into normal range with medication. Some POSSIBLE explanations might be:<br /><br />1. You are suddenly missing ovulations for some other reason (eg weight changes, stress, ovarian cyst, etc, etc.)<br /><br />2. You are still ovulating, but have shifted into a different "normal-for-you" menstrual pattern.<br /><br />3. Longer/heavier periods can also be prompted by fibroids in the uterus, infections of the uterus (eg chlamydia), adenomyosis (doubt this with less cramps), or some other uterine factor.<br /><br />Bottom line, since this is a concern, you should see your GYN or clinic for the most "for sure" answer. They might even want to recheck your TSH or free T4 levels just to confirm your thyroid status--or bring your most recent lab results from your endocrinologist or primary care MD.<br /><br />If you do get a definitive answer would you consider writing us all back? Through the magic of the Internet your answer may provide valuable information to a woman with hypothyroidism in the future.<br /><br />In Gratitude,<br />Jane
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