The Menstrual Disturbances in Endocrine Disorders: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Context: Menstrual cycle is considered the fifth vital sign among women. This study aimed to summarize the menstrual disturbances that were observed in different endocrine disorders. Evidence Acquisition: In this narrative review, relevant studies (up to December 2019) were searched based on the MeSH keywords diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, menstrual cycle, uterine bleeding, and menstruation. Databases used for searching articles included Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science for observational, experimental, and review studies. The findings discuss menstrual disturbances in endocrine disorders. Results: Endocrine disorders trigger the onset of menstrual disturbance across the reproductive lifespan of women. Endocrine glands (pituitary, pineal, thyroid, pancreases, adrenal, and ovaries) have a functional role in endocrine regulation of the menstrual cycle. According to available evidence, oligomenorrhea (cycle longer than 35 days) is the most common menstrual disturbance among endocrine disorders (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, and diabetes), most of which impact the amount of menstrual bleeding. Complex endocrine pathways play an essential role in a women’s menstrual calendar. Conclusions: The menstrual cycle length and amount of bleeding are indicative of endocrine disorders. Further studies are needed to identify the unknowns about the association between endocrine disorders and the menstrual cycle.

A Comparative Study on Insulin Secretion, Insulin Resistance and Thyroid Function in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with and without Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

“… 2 , 3 Thyroid dysfunction can affect the female reproductive and endocrine systems. 4 , 5 Numerous studies have indicated that PCOS is often associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. 6 , 7 Young women with HT are most likely to present with normal thyroid function and elevated levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb).…”

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women's Health and Family Planning

“…For example, hypothalamic disorders due to excessive exercise, disordered eating or stress may result in hypoestrogenic, anovulatory cycles and/or prolonged periods of amenorrhea ( 7 , 13 ). Variations or changes in symptoms or parameters that women can observe through FABM charting are listed in Table 2 , together with conditions that may underlie each of the patterns ( 26 , 36 – 56 ). Two of these conditions, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis, are each present in at least 10% of all women of reproductive age, and are among the most common underlying causes of subfertility ( 48 , 57 – 59 ).…”

Menstrual cycle length and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in Project Viva

“…It is possible that our finding on the association between short menstrual cycles and birth size is related to the presence of reproductive disorders that induce alterations in the endometrium, myometrium and placenta and increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. 37 For example, endometriosis and hypothyroidism have been linked to short menstrual cycles and are associated with increased risk of small size at birth and low birth weight 5,[38][39][40] and could partially account for the observed relations.…”