Endometriosis and Thyroid Dysfunction: The Connection You Need to Know
An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and a whopping 60% are unaware of their condition. In addition, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. That’s why Thyroid Awareness Month is important to talk about. The more we can create awareness around thyroid problems and the symptoms that can often be mistaken as nothing or something else completely, the more women can be helped. Plus, new research shows a connection between thyroid dysfunction and endometriosis. For the best outcome possible, it is important for women who suffer from either to be cognizant of. The U.S. Endometriosis Association reports that people diagnosed with endometriosis are six times more likely to have an underactive thyroid. Endometriosis continues to be one of the most perplexing diseases for women and their OB-GYNs. However, these new studies may help women and their doctors identify some sort of “why,” as well as develop an understanding of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis severity.
What is Endometriosis?
We’ll start with the basics. Endometriosis is tissue normally lining the uterus that grows outside the uterus, on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in severe cases even the bladder, kidneys, intestines, and rectum. It can start as early as a girl’s first period and last through menopause. Women with endometriosis can experience mild to severe pelvic pain, heavy periods and often find it difficult to get or stay pregnant. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, 1 out of 10 women will experience endometriosis. Despite how common the condition is, the Endometriosis Foundation of America estimates many women wait as long as 10 years to discover their final diagnosis, as the condition remains one of the most confounding for women and their OB-GYNs. Learn more about endometriosis.
What is Thyroid Dysfunction?
You may be wondering, “what does my thyroid do, anyway?” Good question. Your thyroid regulates your body’s metabolism and produces two different types of hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones keep your metabolism running at peak performance. Your thyroid also plays a large role in your endocrine system – the system that encompasses all the glands in your body that make hormones and act as chemical messengers to ensure your body functions as it should. Sometimes, the thyroid will produce too few or too many hormones. This results in a thyroid imbalance and can lead to thyroid dysfunction or disease. In women, thyroid dysfunction can cause problems with their period, problems getting pregnant, and problems during pregnancy. One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime.
Thyroid Hormones Play a Role in Endometrial Health
Although the underlying “why” is unknown, autoimmune thyroid disorders are associated with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are at an increased risk for thyroid disease or dysfunction, and endometriosis patients who do suffer from thyroid dysfunction may have an increased risk of more intense chronic pain and increase endometriosis severity. Whether you’re someone currently living with endometriosis, or showing symptoms of either endometriosis or thyroid dysfunction, it’s important to understand the connection between the two so you can continue to advocate for your health.
How Thyroid Dysfunction Affects the Progression of Endometriosis
Recent research done by the Paris Descartes University looked at the relationship between endometriosis and autoimmune thyroid disorders, and how thyroid dysfunction affects the progression of endometriosis. Within the research, there have been three key findings. First, researchers found that the levels of RNA molecules and proteins involved in thyroid metabolism were altered in people with endometriosis. These RNA molecules act as templates to make proteins, and when altered, impact the performance of key functions in endometriotic cells. Additionally, in endometriotic cells, the number of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) is altered. T4 production was increased and T3 was reduced. The imbalance in T3 and T4 hormones can lead to thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, this finding provides evidence that women with endometriosis have a higher chance of hormone imbalance and thyroid dysfunction. Finally, the researchers found a positive, linear relationship between the concentration of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones and endometriotic implant size. This means that increasing levels of thyroid hormones may increase endometriotic implant growth. Considering these three points, the results of the study show strong evidence of a connection between endometriosis and thyroid dysfunction. Researchers stated, “In humans, thyroid disorders are associated with more severe forms of endometriosis”.
Overlapping Symptoms of Endometriosis and Thyroid Dysfunction
There are many overlapping symptoms of endometriosis and thyroid dysfunction. These include:
Abdominal cramps
Painful bowel movement
Fatigue
Poor sleep quality
Feeling down
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Because of the symptoms, both thyroid dysfunction and endometriosis can be mistaken as nothing or something else entirely. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms you may have an advocate for your health.
Do You Suffer from an Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder?
Women with an autoimmune thyroid disorder should be screened for endometriosis, especially at a young age. On the contrary, women with endometriosis should be screened for other autoimmune diseases. Because of the strong relationship between thyroid dysfunction and endometriosis, thyroid function and hormone medication should be taken into account for the care of women with endometriosis. The Kaldas Center provides personalized treatment, depending on the severity of the condition, your age, symptoms, and of course, the existence of other autoimmune diseases like thyroid dysfunction.
Get Help Today
If you think you or someone you know suffers from an autoimmune thyroid disorder and may have endometriosis, it’s time to find the best endometriosis specialist. Get the help you deserve, from the right provider, close to home. Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299.
Sources:
https://kaldascenter.com/endometriosis/
https://www.boostthyroid.com/blog/2019/3/1/endometriosis-and-hashimotos
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease
https://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/news/20020926/endometriosis-linked-to-other-diseases#2