Inquiry Regarding Total Thyroidectomy Effects
A 25-year-old female, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds, is currently experiencing a medical concern. The issue has persisted for five days. This individual has a significant medical history, diagnosed with Graves' disease, and is taking Levothyroxine at a dosage of 200 mg alongside Clonazepam at 1 mg. Last year, on August 22, she underwent a salpingectomy, and most recently, on March 13, her thyroid gland was completely removed. Presently, she is noticing a delay in her menstrual cycle, which is now four days late and nearing five days following her total thyroidectomy (TT). She is seeking clarity on whether fluctuations in hormone levels post-surgery could cause such delays. During a telehealth follow-up with her surgeon, she forgot to inquire about this matter, and although she considers it a trivial question, she feels compelled to understand more about her situation. She did engage in sexual relations with her partner the evening prior to the surgery but does not believe she could be pregnant. Still, she's aware that there remains a slight chance of conception occurring after a salpingectomy, at least according to her obstetrician's insights.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 6:00:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
The delay in your menstrual cycle after a total thyroidectomy can indeed be linked to hormonal changes related to the surgery and thyroid hormone levels.
After thyroid removal, the body can take some time to adjust to new hormonal levels, particularly if you are on Levothyroxine to replace the hormones your body can no longer produce. This adjustment period might affect your menstrual cycle, leading to a delay or changes in regularity.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Cycle: Track your menstrual cycle for a few more days and note any other symptoms (like changes in mood, energy level, or possible pregnancy signs).
-
Check Thyroid Levels: Ensure you are taking your Levothyroxine as prescribed, and if you haven’t had follow-up blood work to check your thyroid hormone levels since your surgery, consider scheduling one. Proper levels of thyroid hormone are crucial for regulating menstrual cycles.
-
Evaluate for Pregnancy: Although the chance of pregnancy after a salpingectomy is low, if your period doesn't start soon, consider taking a home pregnancy test to rule it out.
-
Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Since you feel this question is important, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team again to discuss your menstrual cycle concerns and any necessary adjustments to your medication.
Your concerns are valid, and it’s important to understand how your body is responding to recent medical changes. You're doing well by seeking clarification, and I hope this information helps you feel a bit more at ease. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Related Questions
Examining the Safe Use of Narcan in Healthy Individuals
As someone with red hair, I’ve come across studies suggesting that individuals with this hair color may have a higher tolerance for pain. I recently stumbled upon research discussing how an eccentric scientist administered naltrexone to some red mice, resulting in a reduction of their pain threshold to what is considered typical. This seemed to correlate with a gene that influences the body's opioid receptors. I'm curious about trying Narcan to determine if it has any noticeable effects—I'm not concerned about the placebo effect—but I'm uncertain if it would have adverse effects on me since I don’t have any opioid dependency. To give you an overview of my health profile: I’m a 27-year-old male, weigh 160 pounds, stand 6 feet tall, and I’m currently not on any medication nor do I have any history of medical issues. I appreciate any insights!
Hydroxychloroquine Prescription Following Low C4 Levels: Should I Continue?
Demographic Information: 19 years old, Assigned Female at Birth. Medical History: Diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), reactive gastropathy of unknown origin, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Some of my healthcare professionals suspect mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), though I have not been formally diagnosed. Current Medications: I am currently taking 250 mg of clomipramine, 15 mg of memantine, 1 mg of clonazepam, 30 mg of loratadine, 40 mg of famotidine, 30 mg of propranolol, 15 mg of midodrine, 6 mg of naltrexone, and 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine. Additionally, I use iron and vitamin C supplements to address low ferritin levels and take 3 mg of melatonin as needed for sleep. Several months back, I consulted a rheumatologist upon recommendation due to unexplained rashes, joint swelling, and discomfort that couldn't be attributed to my current conditions (I initially believed they were linked to ME/CFS, but my ME specialist had doubts). Despite blood work showing no indicators of autoimmune disorders—such as normal levels for ESR, CRP, ANA, and RF—I was still referred to rheumatology. The rheumatologist conducted further extensive blood testing and subsequently prescribed hydroxychloroquine. He suggested I may have undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) but did not formally diagnose me. While I value his expertise, I want to ensure that I am only taking necessary medications. My apprehension stems from the fact that, among 18 blood tests performed, complement C4 was the only abnormality, which was recorded as slightly low. The battery of tests included assessments such as creatine kinase, a myomarker panel, HLA association panel (including celiac screening), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, ANA, anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-RNP antibodies, anti-Scl70 antibodies, anti-centromere antibodies, anti-Sm antibodies, anti-Ro antibodies, anti-La antibodies, and complement C3, alongside C4. I have been on hydroxychloroquine for three months and have noticed some improvements: although my fatigue persists, the rashes on my hands and wrists appear less severe, my fingers look slimmer, and joint pain has diminished. This does lend some reassurance about continuing the medication; however, I am concerned that these benefits could be attributed to either a placebo effect or the low-dose naltrexone rather than the hydroxychloroquine itself. My primary worry is the potential adverse effects of using hydroxychloroquine if it is not warranted for my condition. Are there specific signs I should monitor or indications suggesting that this medication might not be necessary? Should I alleviate my concerns, or is there reason to be cautious? Any insights would be immensely helpful, thank you!
Seeking Guidance on Hormonal Treatment as a Trans Man
I am a 21-year-old transgender man (FTM). About a year ago, I began receiving testosterone injections using a product called Testoviron, administered at a dosage of 125mg biweekly. During my most recent appointment with my endocrinologist, we chose to switch to an alternative injection called Nebido, which is a 250mg dose given every 12 weeks. My concern is whether extending the interval between these injections will slow my overall progress. Additionally, I've heard it may be necessary to have a second shot six weeks after the initial one to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. After reading some online, I noticed that this advice is common; however, I feel uncertain as my endocrinologist appears to have limited experience working with transgender patients. This has left me anxious about the potential effects of the hormonal therapy. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.
Inquiry About Conception Timing
The child arrived on January 19. Throughout the course of the pregnancy, several ultrasounds were conducted, which regularly confirmed the gestational age with measurements taken at 25 weeks, 32 weeks, and 36 weeks on various occasions. These assessments led medical professionals to approximate the ovulation and fertility period between April 8 and April 17. It is well known that sperm can last in the female reproductive tract for about five days. Notably, intercourse took place on April 26, a date that falls beyond the predicted fertile period. Considering the ultrasound results and standard ovulation patterns, could April 26 reasonably be identified as a possible date for conception?
Chest Discomfort with Red Marks
Over the past year, I have developed red patches predominantly on my upper chest and occasionally on my neck. My physician suspects that this could be linked to anxiety. These marks often become painful upon contact and sometimes provoke an itch. Although I’m uncertain if it’s connected, I also experience occasional discomfort in my chest, particularly around the sternum and collarbone areas. I’m concerned that there might be a misdiagnosis and that an underlying issue could be present. Has anyone else faced a similar situation or discovered the underlying cause of their symptoms? I’m a 24-year-old male who does not smoke, consume alcohol, or use drugs.