Question of the Month

Q:  Have there been any known thyroid problems occurring in patients on Yasmin or any drug interactions with Yasmin that may lead to thyroid problems?

A: Oral contraceptives increase levels of TBG (thyroid binding globulin) which carries the thyroid hormones in the blood. TBG acts as a storage pool and the hormones attached to it cannot move from blood into tissue. Hence they are inactive.

Because of this, some women on thyroid medication such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Armour thyroid and others may need a slight increase in their thyroid dose. Those with borderline low thyroid who did not need treatment previously might need it if they start on an OC. For the vast majority of women who do not have a thyroid condition, OCs will have no significant effect.

Yasmin is no different from other birth control pills with respect to the thyroid.

For those on thyroid replacement who start an OC, it is prudent to have a TSH measurement 6 to 8 weeks after starting the pill.

Hope this is helpful.

Geoffrey Redmond, MD

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