Question:

I am 20 years old and am having difficulty with fatigue. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto`s Disease 7 months ago and went on Synthroid 25 mcg.once a day. It brought my TSH into a normal range(around 2.50) and reduced my fatigue, but has not eliminated it. I am 5 ft. 1 inch, weight 100 lbs. and have low body fat (17.%). I have had periods since I was 14, but they have never been regular and I only get 6-8 periods a year. My recent FSH was 6.5 and my estrodiol was 34 (lab work done on the 8th day after my period started). My doctor thinks I should go on birth control pills, but I do not want to because I would prefer to figure out what is causing my low estrogen. Is this dangerously low estrogen? What other tests can I have to help determine why my estrogen is low? What can I do to naturally increase my estrogen? What do you recommend?

Answer:

Many women do not have clock-work-like menstrual periods. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including hyperplasia (where the lining of the uterus gets a little thicker then normal), uterine fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus that can cause irregular bleeding), uterine polyps (also a type of begin tumor-like structure), miscarriages, thyroid problems, excessive weight gain or weight loss, withdrawal of hormonal contraception, and uterine cancer. Additionally, the menstrual cycle can change a bit with increasing age, stress levels, and if you are around other females.

You should talk with you doctor to see what may be causing your irregular bleeding and to develop a better understanding of your particular concerns.

Further information can be found at Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (American Academy of Family Physicians).

For more information:

Go to the Infertility health topic.