Underactive Thyroid Symptoms - Periods

[RaeCJ82]

I have quite a few of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (fatigue, weight gain, low moods, hair falling out) but I've noticed that one of the symptoms is heavier periods. Mine have actually been the exact opposite. From lasting an average of around five days, they're down to two days, with maybe a slight decrease in flow.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar? I'm 37 years old. There's no history of early menopause on my Mum's side, but no idea about my Dad's side and nobody to ask.

I started flooding. I was exhausted and had brain fog and put on lots of weight. Thought I might be pre-menopausal, went to the Dr and they tested for that, turns out I wasn't. They also tested my thyroid, but only my TSH, which was just above the normal range. After doing some reading (Thyroid UK is particularly useful) I got my own private blood tests done via Medichecks which included all thyroid levels plus antibodies. Turns out I've got Hashimoto's (since been confirmed by an endocrinologist, was the only useful thing they did but that's another story!).

Anyway, back to periods. Before being tested for my thyroid I was referred to gynae, and I had the endometrial ablation procedure (I had tried the tablets they give for heavy periods but they didn't work at all). The ablation has been fantastic, I've always had heavy periods (although nothing compared to the flooding I started having). My periods are now really light and don't tend to last as long. For me it's been brilliant.

Heavy periods are one of many symptoms of underactive thyroid, obviously I didn't know I had this problem when I first went to the Dr.

As I mentioned upthread, Thyroid UK is a great source of info, and also the forum they have on there. There are some extremely knowledgeable people on there about thyroids. What I have learnt is that unfortunately, most Drs and even endocrionologists don't really seem to understand the working of the thyroid, and the treatment given is very poor. It makes me very cross.

Apologies, I've just re-read your post and realised that your periods have got lighter, not heavier!! That will teach me, I can't seem to skim read any more as I just don't take the information in properly!