Hypothyroidism is a common disorder in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. That’s why this condition is also known as underactive thyroid disease. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are unexplained weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold sensitivity, and fatigue.
Due to the deficiency of thyroid, your heart rate, metabolism, and body temperature get disrupted.
However, very few people know that it also has an impact on fertility.
According to a study, 2% to 4% of women have low thyroid during the peak of childbearing age. It means hypothyroidism might cause fertility problems in women.
Continue reading to learn the effects of low thyroid on different pregnancy stages.
Pre-pregnancy
Low thyroid hormone levels can severely affect menstruation and ovulation. It generally leads to high prolactin levels. It might cause difficulty in releasing a mature (fully-grown) egg during the ovulation process. In addition to this, it might also cause difficulty conceiving.
Not to mention, this condition can also shorten the second half of your menstrual cycle. Due to which the fertilized egg might not have enough time to attach to the womb. It can lead to high thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and ovarian cysts. Such a situation can lead to infertility or pregnancy loss.
To prevent this situation, you must consult an obstetrician or gynecologist (OBGYN). They will help diagnose your issue and create a treatment plan.
Tip: To find a good OBGYN in your area, you should use the right keywords. For instance, suppose you live in Manhattan. Here you can use the terms like obgyn upper east side or obgyn in midtown east. Nonetheless, make sure you disclose any medical history or issue you know about to your obstetrician or gynecologist (OBGYN).
Pregnancy
Did you know that symptoms of hypothyroidism are quite similar to early pregnancy symptoms? Yes, you read it right! It includes:
- Extreme tiredness
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
Ideally, the treatment of hypothyroidism can help you get pregnant, and it continues even after conceiving. Nonetheless, the doctor will check your TSH lab values every five to six weeks. It ensures that your thyroid hormone requirement rises- as it’s essential for the baby’s support.
Your doctor might also create a special plan to control the thyroid. It ensures that you are comfortable and the baby is healthy. Otherwise, it might lead to
- Maternal anemia
- Increase in maternal blood pressure
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Low infant birth weight
- Premature birth
Post-pregnancy
Postpartum thyroiditis is a very common issue that every woman faces. It generally starts in the first 3 to 6 months after giving birth. Even so, the effects of postpartum thyroiditis vary from woman to woman. Therefore, it is essential that you consult your doctor as soon as possible. They might give you some medication or suggest getting hormone replacement therapy.
To Sum It All Up!
If you are facing any fertility problems, you must consult your Ob-gyn immediately. They can help diagnose the issue. And also help develop a pregnancy plan. Nonetheless, to improve your condition, you must start following a healthy lifestyle right away.
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