Over 80% of cycling women will experience some degree of premenstrual symptoms, with over 30% suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This can include physical, emotional, and behavioural changes starting within the week before the period begins. A more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), affects around 8% of premenopausal women. This involves more severe symptoms from ovulation to period, which can greatly impact a women’s ability to function normally during this time.

Why women develop varying degrees of PMS and PMDD can be a factor of many things. It can be hormones, it can be how we sleep, what we eat, how much stress we are dealing with, inflammation, neurotransmitters … the list goes on. When symptoms impact a women’s ability to function, it’s important to create a treatment plan to help relief symptoms and improve quality of life. An important part of this involves testing for thyroid conditions.

Many of the symptoms of PMS/PMDD overlap with those experiencing under-functioning of the thyroid gland. Our thyroid gland is an integral part of our bodies overall functioning, and when it is not functioning optimally, we develop symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, mood changes like depression, sleep disturbances, and menstrual cycle changes. Since our thyroid produces hormones, it can influence the complex interaction of all hormones in the body, and can make the premenstrual time even more difficult. Ruling out an underlying thyroid condition is an important step in the proper diagnoses and treatment of women experiencing premenstrual symptoms.

To properly rule out thyroid dysfunction it is important to not only test your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), but also your level of hormones (T3, and T4), and the potential for antibodies towards your thyroid gland. Although not all women with thyroid conditions will struggle with weight, it is a common complaint, along with hair and nail changes, and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, along with PMS or PMDD, a full thyroid panel should be a first step in your care plan.

Resources:

PMID: 23869302

PMID: 33663193

PMID: 27479626

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-beyond-the-basics