PCOS vs. Thyroid Disorder: What’s Causing Your Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods can be frustrating, confusing and scary; if this has been your experience then know you are not alone! Many women face unpredictable cycles due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders; two of the most prevalent causes. But how can you identify which one is causing it and more importantly what are your options to deal with it? We will go over all the details here in order to better help you understand these conditions better.

Understanding Irregular Periods

Let’s first define what irregular periods mean. A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts 21-35 days, with bleeding typically lasting 2-7 days. If your cycles are shorter, longer, or completely unpredictable – irregular periods. While occasional irregularities could be the result of stress, travel, or lifestyle changes; consistently irregular periods could signal an underlying health concern.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, more commonly referred to by its acronym PCOS, is a hormonal condition affecting approximately one out of ten childbearing women of childbearing age. The condition results from an imbalance of reproductive hormones which leads to irregular periods and can manifest with other symptoms including cysts on ovaries or even fibroids.

Symptoms of PCOS:

• Missed periods or irregular ones: One of the telltale signs is an irregular period or missed periods; you might only get 9 periods a year, or your cycles might last over 35 days.
• Excess hair growth: With increased male hormones present, you might also notice hair growing on your face, chest or back.
• Acne and Oily Skin: Hormonal imbalances can lead to breakouts.
• Weight Gain: Many women living with PCOS struggle with managing their weight.
• Thinning Hair: Loss on the scalp may also occur.
• Darkening of Skin: Patches of darkened skin can appear in folds around your neck, armpits, or groin area.

How PCOS Affects Your Periods:

PCOS interferes with the natural ovulation process. Under normal circumstances, an egg would be released from each ovary on its cycle cycle; but with PCOS this may not happen at all, and irregular or missed periods may ensue due to this failure of ovulation.

What is a Thyroid Disorder?

The thyroid gland in your neck plays an essential role in managing metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal equilibrium. When not functioning optimally, thyroid issues can wreak havoc with menstruation cycles and the menstrual cycle as a whole.

There are two major types of thyroid disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): When it produces too much of its own.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain (hypothyroidism) or weight loss (hyperthyroidism).
• Mood swings: Anxiety, irritability, or depression.
• Hair loss: Thinning hair or hair that becomes brittle.
• Temperature sensitivity: Feeling unusually cold (hypothyroidism) or hot (hyperthyroidism).
• Changes in heart rate: A slower heart rate (hypothyroidism) or a faster heart rate (hyperthyroidism).

How Thyroid Disorders Affect Your Periods:

Thyroid hormones play an essential part in controlling your menstrual cycle. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), periods may become heavier, longer or more painful while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) could result in lighter periods or even missed ones altogether.

PCOS vs. Thyroid Disorder: How to Tell the Difference

PCOS and thyroid disorders both cause irregular periods, but there are a few key differences that can help identify which one could be affecting you.

1. Beyond Periods:

• PCOS commonly comes with symptoms like excess hair growth, acne breakouts and weight gain in addition to periods.
• Thyroid disorders may contribute to fatigue, mood swings and fluctuations in weight and heart rate.

2. Period Patterns:

• With PCOS, periods may become irregular or absent altogether and when they do come around they could be heavy in nature.
• Hypothyroidism often results in heavier and more frequent periods; on the other hand, hyperthyroidism may cause lighter or absent periods.

3. Diagnostic Tests: 

• PCOS can usually be diagnosed through blood tests to check hormone levels as well as an ultrasound examination to detect cysts on ovaries.
• Thyroid disorders are diagnosed via blood tests that measure levels of thyroid hormones such as TSH, T3 and T4.

Emotional Impact: It’s More Than Just Physical

Dealing with irregular periods isn’t only physically draining; it can also take an emotional toll. Uncertainty over when your period will arrive, frustration over symptoms such as weight gain or acne flare-up, and uncertainty as to what causes all this can be distressing and anxiety-inducing.

If you have been experiencing these feelings, take comfort knowing that you aren’t alone. Many women experience similar struggles, and it is okay for feelings of frustration or unhappiness to arise. What’s key here is taking steps toward understanding your body and seeking assistance as necessary.

What Can You Do?

If you suspect PCOS or thyroid disease may be the source of irregular periods, the first step should be consulting a healthcare provider. They can run tests to pinpoint the source and offer treatment advice accordingly.

For PCOS:

• Lifestyle Changes: Eating healthily, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all help regulate hormones.
• Medications: Birth control pills, metformin or other medicines may be prescribed to assist in the regulation of your cycle.
• Fertility Treatments: If you’re trying to conceive, treatments like ovulation induction may be recommended.

For Thyroid Disorders:

• Medical Treatment: The condition is typically treated using synthetic thyroid hormones, whereas hyperthyroidism is treated by thyroid hormones or radioactive iodine surgery.
• Continuous Monitoring: Thyroid problems typically require continuous surveillance and changes to medications.

A Personal Note: You’re Not Alone

If you’re you’re nodding your head, thinking that the article is written for you, I’d like for you to be aware that there is hope. It’s possible to manage irregular periods by a doctor, and with the correct treatment, you’ll be back to your normal self. It could take a while to understand what’s happening however, every step you take towards knowing your body is an improvement in the right direction.

Keep in mind that your health is vital and you should be healthy and happy. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor when you’re having issues. In the meantime take care of yourself. You’re doing your best as you can and that’s good enough.

Final Thoughts

The irregularity of your menstrual cycle is due to a variety of causes, but PCOS and thyroid problems tend to be the most frequent. Although they share some characteristics but they also differ in a way that can help you and your doctor to determine the cause of the issue. In the event that you suspect PCOS or thyroid problem or something entirely different, your key is to seek help and taking steps to improve your well-being.

If you’ve experienced irregular menstrual cycle, don’t put it off. See a physician to get the info you need, and then begin your journey to be more relaxed. Don’t worry!