Hashimoto’s and other forms of hypothyroidism can seriously mess up your periods. It’s not enough that you’re tired and depressed with hypothyroidism, now you have to deal with crazy periods too. In particular, two period irregularities are associated with hypothyroidism – irregular periods and heavy periods.
Irregular Periods and Hypothyroidism
Irregular periods can happen when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which is pretty much the defining state of hypothyroidism. Making hormones and thickening the lining of the uterus in preparation for a baby are pretty energy-intensive projects for your body to undertake. When your thyroid hormones are low your body has to make decisions on what to spend its precious energy on – and baby making is not going to be one of them. So women can experience irregular cycles, or miss periods all together.
Heavy Periods and Hypothyroidism
Heavy periods are another common consequence of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. This unfortunate symptom is the result of three different challenges that occur in women with low thyroid hormones.
Low Progesterone
When we don’t produce enough thyroid hormones, we produce less progesterone, the hormone that lessens the amount of blood we lose during our period. So our periods are heavier, and can last longer. Unfortunately low progesterone is also associated with worse PMS symptoms. Because that is what we need right now.
Low SHBG production
Women with low thyroid hormones tend to produce less SHBG, a protein that binds to estrogen, leaving us exposed to more estrogen. The more estrogen we are exposed to in a cycle, the thicker our uterine lining is. And combined with low progesterone this causes heavy bleeding during periods.
Poor coagulation
As if that wasn’t enough, without adequate thyroid hormones, women also make fewer coagulation factors necessary to prevent heavy periods. This causes women to experience flooding (losing a lot of blood in a short period of time), increased blood clots, and heavy or prolonged periods.
It’s a damn triple threat that causes heavy periods in women with hypothyroidism. Luckily, there is a lot we can do.
Support for Heavy Periods in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
Balance your thyroid
The first step in supporting your periods, is supporting your hormones. If you have even borderline low thyroid hormones, they can wreak havoc on every hormone system in your body. Start by nourishing your thyroid, using natural desiccated thyroid and nutritional supports, and you’ll be off to a good start.
Know your autoimmune status
One of my pet peeves is how few women know their antibody status in hypothyroidism. With most cases of hypothyroidism being autoimmune, knowing what antibodies you are producing is imperative to putting together a comprehensive plan. And these tests are just a quick blood draw away.
Support estrogen detoxification
High estrogen and low progesterone are the most significant factor in heavy periods. While you need to balance your thyroid to balance these hormones, supporting your body in estrogen detoxification is also key.
Avoid nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in many nutrients can cause, or worsen, hypothyroidism and heavy periods. Discuss with your Naturopathic Doctor if you are getting enough selenium, iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin D, folate, and tyrosine.
Work with an expert
You are not a doctor (or maybe you are!) and you shouldn’t have to act like one. Navigating hormone imbalances is complex, and working with an expert can help you achieve your goals faster, easier, and safer. You are a worthwhile investment. Get the help you need.
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
Selected References
Poppe K, Velkeniers B, Glinoer D. Thyroid disease and female reproduction. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2007 Mar;66(3):309–21.
Mincer DL, Jialal I. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. StatPearls [internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459262/ Accessed January 13, 2021
