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An-Najah National University
Faculty of medicine and health science
Maternal Health Nursing
Prepared by
St. Nurse: Sami Soboh Ahmad
MISS Shorooq G. Qadous
How does hypothyroidism cause amenorrhea?
Answers:
.
Low thyroid hormones T3 and T4 stimulates the hypothalamus to produce thyrotropin
releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates both thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and
prolactin production in the pituitary.
High prolactin levels will inhibit gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) production in
the hypothalamus, which is needed for LH and FSH production in the pituitary, needed for
normal ovarian function thus causing amenorrhea.
How does hyperthyroidism cause amenorrhea?
Answer
Hyperthyroidism can affect prolactin levels, which contributes to an imbalance of sex
hormones, resulting in a lack of ovulation. When you're not ovulating, there is no reason for
your body to induce a period. Additionally, the estrogen, progesterone and androgen levels
are thrown off in a way that makes it similar to being pregnant, and thus no period occurs.
low T4 --> inc TRH --> dec dopamine --> inc prolactin --> dec GnRH --> dec LH + FSH -->
amenorrhea