The thyroid gland is a hormonal gland located in the front of the neck. It is often called the butterfly organ because the lateral lobes resemble butterfly wings. The organ affects your metabolism and performs important regulatory functions in the body. [1] This includes interfering with the female cycle and reproduction. Medical experts repeatedly observe that even slight deviations in thyroid activity can cause profound disturbances in the menstrual cycle. Fertility can also be reduced as a result. Finally, not only can the menstrual cycle be disturbed by hypothyroidism, but also the maturation of eggs. [2]
The following thyroid hormones exist:
The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are produced in the follicular epithelial cells within the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland is involved in their release as required. It determines the amount of hormone that leaves the thyroid gland and migrates into the blood. [1]
The US Endometriosis Association states that individuals with endometriosis are six times more likely to have hypothyroidism.[3] Although this assumption suggests a clear link, not much is yet known about the connection between thyroid disease and endometriosis. This is because a complex interplay must first be explored. Scientists have already looked into this and discovered the first exciting interactions.
Although hypothyroidism and endometriosis are completely different diseases, the symptoms are quite similar. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the symptoms with great care during the diagnosis.
The following symptoms are similar or can occur in both diseases: [10]
Of course, hypothyroidism has additional symptoms, such as enlargement of the thyroid gland, increased sensitivity to cold, and weight gain.
Hypothyroidism is caused in about 90% of cases by a so-called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes the organism to produce defensive substances against the thyroid components. This is a devastating mechanism, because it causes the butterfly organ to become inflamed – hypothyroidism occurs. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is by no means rare. In fact, 4.6% of all individuals now have a mild form and do not notice it. [11,12] But where is the link between the autoimmune disease and endometriosis? I checked the studies for you and came across an interesting fact. For example, there are observations that infertile women are significantly more likely to have thyroid autoimmune disease. The difference was particularly marked in women with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.[13]
Why this is so is still the subject of research.
When endometriosis is present, so-called estrogen dominance can often be observed. This means that too many female sex hormones such as estrone and estradiol are present. At the same time, there is usually a progesterone deficiency or progesterone resistance, whereby the existing progesterone cannot develop its full effect. Hashimoto’s thyroid disease is also frequently associated with a progesterone deficiency. Both endometriosis and hypothyroidism are treated with preparations that affect progesterone levels.[14,15]
In the case of hypothyroidism, too little thyroid hormone is produced. This can have a decisive effect on fertility. Since women with endometriosis also often struggle with an unfulfilled desire to have children, the additional presence of hypothyroidism could further reduce the chances of having offspring. The good news is that hypothyroidism can be treated. The missing thyroid hormone, T3, can be replaced with a medication. However, it takes about three months for hormone levels to be balanced. Treatment may be needed in phases or for life, depending on the cause. Nervous conditions may occur as a side effect. This is usually the case if the dosage is too high. When administering thyroid medication, it is therefore absolutely necessary to check the values regularly (about once a year, more frequently at the beginning) and if necessary to adjust the dosage.
Thyroid hormones undeniably have an important influence on the female cycle and fertility. Studies suggest that they may also play a crucial role in endometriosis. For example, thyroid hormones can influence cell growth and endometrial health. In addition, endometriosis lesions were shown to have different thyroid metabolism, which could potentially cause endometriosis tissue to grow more. In particular, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, causes hypofunction of the butterfly organ. Like endometriosis, it is associated with progesterone deficiency. In many cases, the administration of progesterone also improves the thyroid levels. [14] In the case of endometriosis, the administration of progestin is the drug of choice.[16] The sex hormone progesterone comes from the group of progestins and can be administered in synthetic form.
The various facts reveal exciting parallels between hypothyroidism and endometriosis, which will need to be explored in more detail in future studies.
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
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