The human body and its glands are interconnected to various functions. At times the thyroid gland can affect women's health, especially when it is an underactive thyroid gland. This could lead to fertility issues as certain hormones cannot be produced with hypothyroidism.
When the thyroid levels are low, it will affect the release of an egg, which impairs fertility. Certain autoimmune or pituitary disorders, which are caused due to hypothyroidism, can also impair fertility.
Thyroid hormone levels
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test helps to identify the thyroid hormone level. TSH needs to remain at an optimal level or would have an effect on ovulation. The thyroid hormone levels have a link with the development of the fetus. It is essential to keep the iodine level also optimal as thyroid hormones are synthesized from iodine. With the help of medications, doctors can help treat the variations in TSH or iodine levels. The TSH should not be higher than 2.5 and 3.0 at the time of pregnancy.
Hyperthyroidism - when the thyroid is overactive and excessive production of thyroid hormones can be considered to be hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease and autoimmune diseases are common manifestations of this. By performing the TSH blood test, doctors can identify the presence of hyperthyroidism. Women tend to get irregular or infrequent periods, and men would have a low sperm count. Medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery are various ways to treat hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism - when the thyroid is underactive and produces insufficient or fewer thyroid hormones, it can be termed as hypothyroidism. Lack of iodine in the diet or autoimmune disease can lead to hypothyroidism. Reduced fertility, higher chances for miscarriage, lower infant intelligence, pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and infant death are certain issues related to hypothyroidism. A simple blood test will help identify the problem, and the supplementation with iodine or thyroxine can help treat the problem.
Thyroid antibodies
Thyroid antibodies also have an impact on fertility. Thyroid antibodies are produced when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake. Infertile women would have the presence of thyroid antibodies in them. These antibodies lead to the risk of getting pregnant. Doctors recommend blood tests so that treatment could be initiated on time.
Changes in lifestyle and reducing stress can always have an impact on thyroid levels. Better diet and regular exercise can also help prevent and allow thyroid levels to be normal. At Srishti Assisted Facility & Advanced Laparoscopic Center, doctors can help treat problems with thyroid before IVF.
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Blog Reviewed By: Dr. Soumyaroop Dash
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