Have you been planning to start a family and yet getting no results? Is this leading to frustration and anxiety? Today, let's explore one probable reason your efforts are not paying off: hypothyroidism. For years, there have been studies on whether hypothyroidism and fertility in women are linked in some way. Fertility issues are a main cause of anxiety for many married couples who are looking forward to having kids. Let's find out if hypothyroidism is the reason you are failing to conceive.
As many of you know, the thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland found in front of the neck. It is an important part of the human body's endocrine system. When the thyroid gland fails to function properly, conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may arise.
Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Various body functions like growth, metabolism, fertility, and emotional health get disrupted due to this condition. According to medical studies, for women with low fertility, hypothyroidism is the main culprit in their distress.
The first IVF baby was born in 1978, marking a great advancement in fertility treatment. Ever since, this has given hope to several couples undergoing fertility issues.
Like any other medical condition, how the human body responds to hypothyroidism differs from person to person. In certain cases, a woman fails to conceive despite multiple attempts or, if she gets pregnant, is not able to carry her pregnancy to its full term. Some of the many reasons for this condition include reproductive health issues, genetic factors, hormone imbalances, etc. To be on the safer side, you should consult your doctor immediately if you are facing any such issues and rule out hypothyroidism.
Let's look at some general facts related to hypothyroidism, infertility, the female reproductive system, etc.
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones regulate most of the bodily functions and have a great impact on the female reproductive system. The thyroid gland regulates the overall health of the uterus and has a major role in preparing the uterus during conception and pregnancy. Any imbalance in hormone production can negatively affect the reproductive system.
Hypothyroidism disrupts the menstrual cycle of a majority of women. Since the thyroid gland is closely connected to maintaining a healthy uterus, the lack of sufficient thyroid hormone production may lead to cases of amenorrhoea, wherein there is a marked absence of menstruation, or in some cases, it leads to irregular periods.
Anovulation is a condition where ovulation fails to occur due to several reasons. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, the chances of anovulation are higher. If hypothyroidism is not detected on time, the chances of conception are practically nil.
The quality of eggs the ovaries release is important when a woman conceives. Hypothyroidism is a major cause of ovulatory dysfunction. This condition affects the quality of eggs released and may affect the rate of conception. In certain cases, if the woman conceives, there are chances of miscarriage due to this condition, and she may not be able to bear the baby until full term.
In simple terms, the endometrium is the lining of the uterus, which is very important during embryo implantation. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, the chances of variation in the endometrial thickness are higher. This will adversely affect embryo implantation and is a main reason for fertility issues as well as miscarriages.
If a pregnant woman has hypothyroidism and is unaware of this fact, complications may occur. There are certain risks, like the chances of miscarriage, preterm labour, preeclampsia, abnormalities in the placenta, gestational hypertension, and so on. The baby may also be affected in some cases. Low birth weight, slower brain development, and delays in cognitive development are some of the complications that arise if hypothyroidism in the mother is left untreated during her gestation period.
Early detection and management of hypothyroidism are required to avoid severe health complications. Screening, monitoring the levels, and taking the correct medication will help improve the fertility rate. On-time detection and treatment of hypothyroidism prevent several issues like miscarriages, preterm delivery, preeclampsia and other disorders.
There are improved fertility outcomes in patients who have their thyroid levels under control. According to experts in the field, a woman has a much better chance of becoming a happy mother and having a healthier baby once her hormone imbalance is monitored and proper treatment is provided.
There is no reason to fear hypothyroidism. This condition can be overcome with proper medical guidance and lifestyle modification, and you can lead a normal life with a healthy family. Here are some lifestyle changes that can have a huge impact on your thyroid levels:
Hypothyroidism is not a condition that you have to deal with alone. Proper medical care, support, and guidance are what you need, especially when trying to start a family. Along with physical well-being, your emotional health also plays a huge role in successfully conceiving and delivering a healthy baby. So approach your doctors without hesitation and let them take care of you. Stay positive, maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow your doctor's instructions, and enjoy the ride to the world of parenthood!
Yes, thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in fertility. Having optimal levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) is essential for a healthy uterus and a smooth pregnancy journey. Thyroid issues can cause complications in conception, egg quality, and embryo implantation and can lead to several other fertility issues. Can a thyroid patient conceive a baby?
Yes, of course. A thyroid patient can surely conceive a baby under proper medical guidance. On-time screening and medical intervention can detect thyroid disorders, and effective treatment can be provided.
Yes, once you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, you can approach a medical practitioner and get proper treatment. With the proper dosage of medication, you can maintain healthy thyroid hormone levels and also get pregnant without any complications.
Improper TSH levels can affect your egg quality. It is very important to check your thyroid levels regularly and take proper medication to avoid complications during pregnancy.
