The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the front of your neck produces thyroid hormones. These hormones control many critical bodily activities. The capacity of a couple to conceive and carry a child to term is known as fertility. One of the most crucial and perplexing aspects of conception is the connection between thyroid trouble and women’s infertility. Let’s study this in detail.
Thyroid Trouble
A group of diseases that affect the thyroid gland are thyroid disorders. It can result in overproduction or underproduction of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune illness, is the most prevalent form of hypothyroidism. When it comes to hyperthyroidism, the most pervasive cause is Graves’ disease and autoimmunity.
Thyroid Trouble and Women’s Infertility
According to research, women of reproductive age have thyroid hormone levels that are 2 to 4 percent lower than usual. This tells us that hypothyroidism is a problem for many women.
Hypothyroidism and low thyroid hormone levels impact menstruation and ovulation. Prolactin levels rise when there are low levels of thyroxine or T4. It also increases when too much thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) is in the body. Women who have this condition may not ovulate or may not be able to get pregnant because they don’t have enough eggs.
Because hypothyroidism makes your menstrual cycle shorter, it can also cause it to be shorter in the second half of the cycle. A fertilized egg didn’t get enough time to attach to the womb. It also results in :
- A low body temperature
- High thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
- Ovarian cysts
This can lead to pregnancy loss or not being able to get pregnant.
Without proper treatment, you will observe a luteal phase disturbance when you have any type of thyroid disorder. The luteal phase is the last half of the cycle after ovulation.
This is due to high levels of progesterone. If a person has a thyroid disorder that isn’t under control, they might have difficulty getting pregnant. You could also have an early miscarriage because of poor implantation.
Progesterone levels can be low or not work correctly if the following things happen:
- A cycle that is shorter or longer than your typical menstrual cycle
- You may have less or more bleeding than is normal for you.
- More or less time for bleeding than is typical for you
Fertility is not just a problem for women. Men who have thyroid problems can also impact a couple’s fertility. When the thyroid is out of whack, it can hurt the quality and movement of sperm, making it hard for them to get into the egg for implantation.
Before you get pregnant, you should have your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 levels checked. A low thyroid hormone level or having had a miscarriage can make it even more important to get your thyroid checked. People who have a history of thyroid problems or other autoimmune diseases are more likely to get them. Taking care of your hypothyroid symptoms early in the planning stages allows early treatment. If this is done, it could lead to a better outcome.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Females are more likely to have hypothyroidism. It can often be found with a simple blood test of the hormone that makes your thyroid work. Still, many women don’t know they have hypothyroidism. Females with hypothyroidism often have these symptoms:
- Heavy and frequent menstruation
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Forgetfulness
- Increased Weight
- Dry skin and hair
- More sensitive to cold
Inflammation, Autoimmunity, and Fertility
Autoimmunity has a negative impact on fertility, even if TSH levels are in the normal range. Immune imbalance shown by thyroid antibodies can affect fertility in the following ways:
- Making it hard for the egg to be fertilized
- Making it hard to get implanted
- Increased chances of miscarriage
It’s not always clear whether or not your antibody count is essential to your health. The antibody count isn’t necessary for diagnosing an autoimmune condition. It is because any level of thyroid antibodies indicates an autoimmune disorder, the antibody count can be important clinically.
Because antibodies and thyroid hormone levels play a significant role in fertility, it’s essential to consult with a Best Gynecologist to find a balance that works for you.
Preventive Measures
A healthy diet and being active may help. You don’t have to be a bodybuilder, but it’s mixing up your cardio and resistance training is good.
If you have an autoimmune condition, you can choose one of several anti-inflammatory diets to treat it. Avoiding artificial ingredients and processed food is a big part of this.
Researchers also find that certain nutrients may help keep people from getting autoimmune thyroid disorders. People planning to have a baby, especially if they have a family history of autoimmune diseases, should be aware of this.
Getting enough vitamin D can also help keep your thyroid in good shape. One more thing you need to make sure your thyroid is healthy is selenium. Supplementing with selenium can be a little more complex, and you should get the nutrient from your food. It is good to eat macadamia nuts.
If you, too, face difficulty conceiving, you may have thyroid trouble. Make an appointment with the Best Gynecologist through Marham to know it in detail. They can suggest a proper plan that will suit you the most according to your needs.
FAQs
1. How many chances are there to get pregnant if you have hypothyroidism?
In a study of almost 400 women having trouble getting pregnant, 24 percent of them had hypothyroidism. Within a year of treatment, 76 percent of them were able to get pregnant.
2. Does Hypothyroidism affect egg quality?.
Prolactin levels rise when there are low levels of thyroxine or T4. Or when there is too much thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) in the body. People who have this condition may not ovulate or may not be able to get pregnant because they don’t have enough eggs.
3. With hypothyroidism, can you still have children?
Hypothyroidism is very easy to treat, and once you get your thyroid levels back to normal, you can get pregnant and start a family.