Impact on fertility
The thyroid hormones affect several other important reproductive hormones, including FSH, LH, estrogen, androgens, progesterone, and prolactin. Hypothyroidism causes anovulation (meaning that no egg gets released by the ovaries). It can also interfere with the luteal phase, which makes it more difficult for an egg to implant in the womb – this can cause IVF to fail. For women who are able to conceive, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to miscarriage, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the uterus), premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose hypothyroidism based on a blood test. Slightly elevated TSH levels with normal levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 indicate subclinical hypothyroidism. High levels of TSH and low levels of T3 and T4 indicate clinical hypothyroidism.
Potential causes
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a hereditary autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which causes the immune system to damage the thyroid gland.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Iodine deficiency (a mineral your thyroid needs to produce hormones)
- Genetic health conditions
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Viral illnesses
- Pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis)
Additionally, hypothyroidism is associated with elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, a condition called hyperprolactinemia, which also reduces fertility. Around 46% of women struggling to get pregnant who have hypothyroidism have hyperprolactinemia as well.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism has the following physical signs:
- Heavy and frequent periods
- Fatigue
- Sore or cramped muscles
- Poor memory
- Dry skin and hair
- Weight gain
- Cold sensitivity
- Loss of sex drive
- Constipation
Treatment to improve fertility
Thankfully, hypothyroidism is something that can be easily managed with medication that increases your thyroid hormone levels. A commonly prescribed medication is L-thyroxine. This normalizes the menstrual cycle along with prolactin levels and boosts fertility.
As soon as your thyroid hormones are back in balance, you should be able to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. A study found that over 76% of women with hypothyroidism who couldn’t conceive were able to get pregnant between 6 weeks to 1 year after starting medication.
Certain dietary changes can also help keep your thyroid healthy. Check vitamin D, iron, and zinc levels, and talk to your doctor about supplementation if necessary, as these are all important for the thyroid. In addition, increasing your intake of iodine-rich foods such as seafood can help with hypothyroidism.
Once you get pregnant, be sure to tell your OB-GYN that you have an underactive thyroid. Your medication dosage will likely need to be adjusted and you’ll need to be more closely monitored during your pregnancy.
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