The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck and has two side lobes connected by a bridge in the middle. The thyroid secretes several hormones, called thyroid hormones. The main one is thyroxine, also called T4. They act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. While it is widely known that the imbalance of thyroid levels causes weight or mood changes, it also affects fertility. So let’s investigate their connection.
For starters there is a specific test that determines if your thyroid gland is working correctly and it is called the TSH test. TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone and it shows if the gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). It can also detect a thyroid disorder before you have any symptoms.
TSH levels typically fall between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L, according to the American Thyroid Association. If the levels are lower and you have an overactive thyroid, that possibly means that there is too much iodine in your body, too much thyroid hormone medication, or excessive use of natural supplements that contain the hormone. Around 2-4% of women suffer from it and the most common symptoms are weight gain, fatigue, and increased menstrual bleeding.
If your level is higher than expected then you probably have an underactive thyroid and that can cause hyperthyroidism. It affects around 5% of women and symptoms include loss of weight, fewer menstrual cycles, anxiety, etc.
As a result of these hormone changes, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been linked to abnormal menstrual cycles, with several studies pointing to prolactin as the main driver. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. It causes the breasts to grow and produce milk during pregnancy and after birth. Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers.
The link between thyroid hormone and fertility is luckily well researched. Data have shown that the hormone plays an important role in the proper development and implantation of eggs. Studies also indicate that infertility affects nearly half of women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, both of which are marked by low thyroid function. Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Dr. Elena Christofides MD, FACE, and Fellow of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, explains that “abnormal TSH levels can interfere with ovulation,” and that, “when you have any type of thyroid disorder (without proper management), you will see a luteal phase (the last half of the cycle after ovulation) disruption.” This is mediated by progesterone levels. If a thyroid disorder is unregulated, then implantation will be difficult to achieve. She could also experience early miscarriage because of incomplete implantation.
Which are the signs of low progesterone?
The most common thyroid disease that affects fertility is hypothyroidism. As it disrupts the menstrual cycles, it makes it more difficult to conceive. It also increases the possibility of miscarriages and premature births.
On the other side, hyperthyroidism -usually appearing through Graves’ disease- can also harm fertility. It disrupts menstrual cycles, increases the risk of early-term miscarriage or premature births, and also affects men’s sperm quality.
There is though a third disease related to thyroid hormones that cause infertility. It is called autoimmunity and although your TSH levels are within normal range it can cause problems during the fertilization of eggs, difficulty of implantation, and again increase of miscarriages.
It is now time to point out that thyroid diseases and infertility is not women’s issue only. Thyroid disorders in men can also affect a couple’s fertility. Dysregulated thyroid function can damage sperm quality and motility, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the egg for implantation. An impaired thyroid can lead to a reduction in semen volume, sperm density, sperm motility, and sperm morphology.
If you do achieve to stay pregnant while battling with thyroid diseases it is crucial to receive specific treatments, like T4 therapy which decreases the risk of babies born with lower body weight or other health implications. After successful pregnancy, there’s also an increased risk for postpartum thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid – this happens to five to ten out of every 100 women within the first year after childbirth. This can lead to temporary hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.
So, what can you do prior to your pregnancy in order to be successful?
For starters, being aware of your thyroid issues is essential. Regular visits to your doctor and getting your levels checked would be extremely useful. If you observe unusual menstrual cycles, pay a visit to your ob-gyn. Lifestyle choices again play an important role in your overall health. Doctors usually suggest an autoimmune diet protocol. There are a few different diets that focus on being anti-inflammatory to treat autoimmune conditions. The key is to avoid artificial additives and processed food. Research has also shown that certain nutrients may have a preventative effect on developing autoimmune thyroid disorders. This can be valuable information for people who are planning a pregnancy, especially those with a family history of autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D and selenium are also found to be helpful nutrients. You can receive them from food and food supplements. Thyroid diseases can cause infertility issues, but there are great possibilities of you conceiving, if you seek professional help and if you live a healthier life.
Being able to conceive is not always an easy task. But MEDIPASS can give you the support you need. It will match you with the most suitable doctors and clinics, according to your specific health issue, and support you through your fertility journey. Each case is unique, speak up, explore your options, and let the professionals help you.
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