HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism And Heavy Menstruation

Hi I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My doctor started me out at 25 mcg levothyroxine. I started having light periods again that lasted about seven days each. This month my doctor increased the dosage of levothyroxine to 50 mcg and now I have been having my period for seven days and it does not appear to be stopping. I don t feel any pain, it s just not stopping. At what point should I be concerned that this period is too long? I am a 42 year old female.
Sat, 3 Sep 2016
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Unfortunately, you are going to need to be seen and evaluated for the source of bleeding. Generally, most women will bleed more when they are very hypothyroid or very hyperthyroid. As you treat the hypothyroid, usually the bleeding will stop. Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid) is a cause of menopause or amenorrhea (no periods). Therefore, your situation is almost the reverse - you are bleeding more with thyroid replacement. So it is possible that you might have too much thyroid replacement.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, which is known as menorrhagia, is worse is young women as they are starting their menstrual cycle. It is also worse in older women who are about to go into menopause. Almost 50% of people with menorrhagia have no known cause. Other common causes are: bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, uterine or endometrial polyps, infections, thyroid dysfunction, cancers, tumors, endometriosis, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Ibuprofen has been shown to decrease the amount of bleeding and pain with menstrual cycles.

Therefore, I would recommend:
-you need to see your primary care doctor for routine labs including anemia panel, bleeding dysfunction panel, and thyroid panel.
-take ibuprofen if there is no contraindications.
-you need a pap smear with evaluation for infections.
-you may need an ultrasound for full assessment of the anatomy.
-premenopausal or menopausal workup
-you may benefit from low dose estrogen replacement such as hormone replacement or birth control

I find this answer helpful

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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism And Heavy Menstruation

Unfortunately, you are going to need to be seen and evaluated for the source of bleeding. Generally, most women will bleed more when they are very hypothyroid or very hyperthyroid. As you treat the hypothyroid, usually the bleeding will stop. Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid) is a cause of menopause or amenorrhea (no periods). Therefore, your situation is almost the reverse - you are bleeding more with thyroid replacement. So it is possible that you might have too much thyroid replacement. Heavy menstrual bleeding, which is known as menorrhagia, is worse is young women as they are starting their menstrual cycle. It is also worse in older women who are about to go into menopause. Almost 50% of people with menorrhagia have no known cause. Other common causes are: bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, uterine or endometrial polyps, infections, thyroid dysfunction, cancers, tumors, endometriosis, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Ibuprofen has been shown to decrease the amount of bleeding and pain with menstrual cycles. Therefore, I would recommend: -you need to see your primary care doctor for routine labs including anemia panel, bleeding dysfunction panel, and thyroid panel. -take ibuprofen if there is no contraindications. -you need a pap smear with evaluation for infections. -you may need an ultrasound for full assessment of the anatomy. -premenopausal or menopausal workup -you may benefit from low dose estrogen replacement such as hormone replacement or birth control