Thyroid And Fertility: Important Things A Doctor Wants All Women To Know

Timely testing of the thyroid function is important for both men and women. Couples must check with their doctor, especially if they are trying to conceive. Read on to know more.

Thyroid health is closely linked to a woman’s fertility. A part of the endocrine system, thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ/gland located in the neck region. It is known to produce two hormones: thyroxine, also known as T4; and triiodothyronine, also known as T3. These hormones are responsible for maintaining the body’s metabolism, besides taking care of other things like maintaining normal heart function, regulating the body temperature, supporting growth and development of organs, controlling weight, reproductive health, and our emotional and mental well-being.

What Happens When There Is A Problem With The Thyroid Gland?

Doctors warn that an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid can disrupt the normal bodily functions, leading to different symptoms and complications in both women and men.

Impact On Ovulation And Menstrual Cycles

According to Dr Nikitha Murthy, a fertility specialist at GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, balanced thyroid hormones are crucial for reproductive health. “Regular ovulation can be impacted when the thyroid hormones are imbalanced. The whole process of growth, release of the egg, and the shedding of the uterine lining every month is interrelated and dependent on different hormones, of which thyroid plays a very important role. Any imbalances — for instance, in the case of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) — can result in anovulation, meaning no ovulation takes place. It can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty in conceiving,” the doctor explains.

Impact On Pregnancy, Risk Of Miscarriage

As mentioned earlier, the thyroid gland is necessary for maintaining menstrual regularity and the ovulation process. Dr Murthy explains that it also affects the relationship between other hormones produced from the brain. “Insufficient thyroid levels can hamper the endometrium (uterine lining) and make it less receptive to implantation; hence, leading to difficulties in conceiving. When it comes to the risk of miscarriage, thyroid hormone levels is a factor often overlooked. Especially during early pregnancy, the fetus relies on the mother’s thyroid hormones for growth and development of its organs. When these thyroid disorders are untreated or the levels are out of control, there are higher risks of complications like miscarriages, developmental abnormalities in the baby, or even preterm birth,” the doctor states.

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Treatment

The following things have to be considered, as mentioned by the doctor:

Proper evaluation and treatment is important. The treatment is targeted towards the diagnosis. In case of hypothyroidism (low level of thyroid hormones) thyroid hormone replacement therapy is suggested. The hormone has been replaced from outside, by taking tablets.
In case of an overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism, antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy is suitable post thorough evaluation.
Besides treatment, lifestyle modifications are also important: following a correct diet, regular exercising, and stress management.

“The thyroid levels are monitored by a thyroid function test which includes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and free T4 level hormone. This is usually done as a part of the routine preconceptional screening. It is also necessary to monitor and check the levels once every 2-3 months till the levels stabilise, or as advised by the doctor,” she says.

Important Things To Remember

Normal levels of thyroid hormones are important for both male and female fertility.
These conditions often go unnoticed, because they usually show no signs, or if there are symptoms, they may be very subtle.
It is safer to keep these hormones in check, especially if the couple is trying to conceive.
Symptoms like weight loss and weight gain, menstrual irregularities, disturbed sleep, lack of concentration, mood swings, feeling warm and cold, hair loss may go unnoticed. It is important to bring them to the notice of a doctor.

The doctor concludes by saying that a comprehensive treatment is important, where a detailed evaluation is done followed by the right treatment. “This can bring the hormones to an optimum level and help in improving their fertility potential.”