Q I have hypothyroidism and amenorrhea developed along with it. Will my period return if I get thyroid treatment?
A Hypothyroidism can lead to amenorrhea through elevated TSH and increased prolactin. When thyroid function normalizes with levothyroxine, amenorrhea often recovers as well.
Detailed Answer
Hypothyroidism follows a pathway of excess TRH leading to elevated prolactin and then anovulation and amenorrhea. When TSH returns to the normal range with levothyroxine, prolactin often normalizes and ovulation recovers. If amenorrhea persists even while receiving thyroid treatment, another cause may be present as well, and further testing is needed.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, hypothyroidism is linked to Kidney Yang deficiency (sinyangheo) - a state in which the fundamental energy that generates the body's warmth is lacking. Alongside controlling thyroid levels with levothyroxine, raising the body's overall metabolic heat with Yang-tonifying (boyang) formulas can speed the recovery of uterine and ovarian function. Please be sure to inform us of any medications you are taking before prescription.
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