Hypothyroidism & birth control pills Posted: 01-21-07 02:27am
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism when I
saw the doctor concerning my irregular and
heavy periods. He put me on birth control
to regulate my periods but did not give me
anything for the Hypothyroidism. Do I need
a medication, or will the birth control
regulate my thyroid?
Thyroid disorders (hypo- and
hyperthyroidism) can cause irregular
menstrual cycles and periods. Birth
control pills will regulate your periods
but won’t regulate your thyroid gland.
It is very important to find out if you
are ovulating, or not. Women without
ovulations usually experience irregular
periods. Birth control pills will regulate
the cycles but will stop ovulation. It is
believed that after coming off birth
control, ovulation can be established
spontaneously and the menstrual cycles
will increase in duration. This is the
hope, at least.
Blood levels of thyroxin (T4) and thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) should be
checked to prove hypothyroidism. In
primary hypothyroidism T4 is decreased and
TSH is increased. In secondary
hyperthyroidism that is due to pituitary
gland failure both hormones T4 and TSH are
decreased. You SHOULD ask expert help from
an endocrinologist for examining your
thyroid gland.
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