Hypothyroidism And Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation. It also refers to a condition where a woman misses one or more menstrual periods. The condition is broken down into primary and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea signifies no menstrual periods by age 16. Secondary amenorrhea refers to a situation where a woman was previously menstruating, but then ceased menstrual periods. If you are a healthy sexually active female, missing a period would most likely be due to pregnancy.

There are many other explanations for the onset of amenorrhea besides pregnancy. Amenorrhea does not usually result from a serious condition. If you do not know why your period has stopped, it can be distressing. You will need to consult your doctor to get to the root of the problem.

Hypothyroidism Quick Facts

Hypothyroidism is a condition that describes an underactive thyroid gland. This condition develops when the thyroid gland is not producing enough of certain important hormones. Women of the age group of 50 and over are more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism disrupts the optimal balance of chemical reactions within the body. It is difficult to detect in the early stages, but as time passes, the untreated condition can lead to several health problems including joint pain, excessive weight gain, infertility and even heart disease.

In some cases, hypothyroidism has been the underlying cause for at least one type of amenorrhea. Once you're doctor is able to identify the underlying cause, treatment of this cause should restore the normal menstrual cycle.

The Signs

A clear sign of amenorrhea is lack of menstrual periods:

There are other symptoms of amenorrhea that can manifest depending on its cause. In addition to lack of periods, the symptoms can include nipple discharge, headaches, changes in vision, or even more than usual hair growth on the face and torso. This hair growth symptom is also called hirsutism.

When To Pay Your Doctor A Visit

For primary or secondary amenorrhea, you should consult your physician if you find yourself experiencing any of then following:

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

Your doctor may also have several questions to ask in order to determine best treatment options. Prepare for these in advance of your appointment. You may even find it helpful to write down your answer so that you don't forget any details.

Some questions your doctor may ask:

During your appointment, do not hesitate to ask the doctor to clear up anything you do not understand. Knowing why any tests or treatments are recommended is important.