People with hypothyroidism may experience:

• Heavier menstrual periods

• Longer or more frequent periods

• Menstrual irregularity

Hyperthyroidism may be associated with:

• Lighter periods

• Less frequent periods

• Irregular cycles

Thyroid dysfunction can also affect fertility in some people.

However, menstrual changes have numerous potential causes, including pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, significant weight changes, stress, and other hormonal conditions.

If menstrual changes are new or persistent, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, they deserve medical evaluation.

Why Thyroid Problems Can Be Difficult to Recognize

One reason thyroid disorders can go undiagnosed is that the symptoms are often nonspecific.

Consider fatigue.

Fatigue can result from:

• Poor sleep

• Iron deficiency

• Anemia

• Stress

• Depression

• Infection

• Medication side effects

• Sleep apnea

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Chronic disease

• Thyroid dysfunction

The same applies to weight changes, hair loss, constipation, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

That's why a list of symptoms found online cannot determine whether your thyroid is working properly.

The diagnosis usually requires a combination of symptoms, physical examination, medical history, and laboratory testing.

How Doctors Check Thyroid Function

When thyroid dysfunction is suspected, healthcare professionals commonly begin with blood tests.

One of the most important tests is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Depending on the situation, a healthcare professional may also order: