Thyroid-related problems include a variety of disorders that can cause the gland to produce too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders can affect heart rate, mood, energy levels, metabolism, bone health, pregnancy, and many other functions.

What you need to know:

• The symptoms of thyroid disorders depend on whether the thyroid produces too much or too little hormone.
• Some thyroid disorders are autoimmune, meaning they are caused by an attack on the thyroid gland by the body's immune system.

Treatment for thyroid disorders is usually effective and, depending on the condition, may involve medication, surgery, or other therapies.

What is the role of the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and the body's response to other hormones.

The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are triiodothyronine or T3 and thyroxine (T4). The gland also produces calcitonin, which helps bone cells process calcium and add it to bones.

Types of thyroid disorders

Many thyroid disorders require treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can lead to Graves' disease, which presents many symptoms such as sweating, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), weight loss, bulging eyes, and nervousness.

Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, depression, abnormal bone development, and growth delay. The most common cause is autoimmune: the production of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause goiter (swelling of the neck due to enlargement of the thyroid gland) and other symptoms.

Thyroid tumors

Thyroid nodules and adenomas, small non-cancerous growths, originate in the layer of cells that lines the internal surface of the thyroid gland. The adenoma itself can secrete thyroid hormones and cause hyperthyroidism. Treatment for a thyroid adenoma may include surgery to remove the hyperactive nodule.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs more frequently in people who have received radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest. However, it can also occur in people without known risk factors. There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and medullary thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancers can be successfully treated.

Thyroid disorders in women

Thyroid diseases in women can affect hormonal balance and cause issues with puberty, menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Thyroid hormone comes in pill form and is often used to treat an underactive thyroid that secretes little or no thyroid hormone. The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone replacement is synthetic thyroxine (T4).

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Facts about hypothyroidism and pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland and can be present during pregnancy. Many symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to those of pregnancy. For example, fatigue, weight gain, and abnormal menstrual periods are common to both. Low levels of thyroid hormone can even prevent you from becoming pregnant or lead to miscarriage.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition. It may go unnoticed if symptoms are mild. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid is underactive and produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be mild and develop slowly. These are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Feeling tired
• Inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
• Hoarse voice
• Facial swelling
• Tendency to gain weight
• Constipation
• Changes in skin and hair, including dry skin and eyebrow loss
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling or pain in the hands)
• Decreased heart rate
• Muscle cramps
• Concentration problems
• Irregular menstrual periods

The symptoms of hypothyroidism may resemble those of other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How does hypothyroidism affect the fetus?

During the first months of pregnancy, the fetus depends on the mother for its thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are important for normal brain development and fetal growth. Maternal hypothyroidism can have lasting effects on the fetus.

How is thyroid function tested?

A blood test will measure thyroid hormone levels (thyroxine or T4) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in serum to check for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is often suspected when TSH levels are higher than normal and T4 levels are lower than normal.

Who should get a thyroid function test?

Routine screening for hypothyroidism during pregnancy is not recommended. Screening should be performed on a pregnant woman with symptoms of hypothyroidism, a history of hypothyroidism, or other endocrine system conditions.

How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?

Thyroid hormone replacement is used to treat the mother. The dose of thyroid hormone replacement therapy is based on the individual's thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone levels may change during pregnancy. The dose of thyroid hormone replacement therapy may also change. Thyroid hormone levels should be monitored every 4 weeks during the first half of pregnancy. The treatment is safe and essential for both the mother and fetus. Routine screening tests for all newborns include a test of thyroid hormone levels.

How a thyroid disorder affects a woman's body

1.Puberty and menstruation

Thyroid disorders can cause unusually early or late puberty and menstruation. Additionally, abnormally high or low levels of thyroid hormones can cause very light or very heavy periods, very irregular periods, or no period at all (a condition called amenorrhea).

2. Reproduction

An overactive or underactive thyroid can also affect ovulation. This involves the release of an egg for fertilization. Thyroid disorders can prevent ovulation from occurring. Additionally, the ovaries are at greater risk of developing cysts if the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism). Severe hypothyroidism can even lead to milk production in the breasts while preventing ovulation.

3. Pregnancy and postpartum

Thyroid disorders during pregnancy can harm the fetus and cause thyroid problems in the mother after childbirth, such as postpartum thyroiditis. A deficiency in thyroid hormones can lead to miscarriages, premature births, fetal deaths, and postpartum hemorrhage. Women with hyperthyroidism during pregnancy may experience more intense morning sickness. The ways to treat an overactive thyroid during pregnancy should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4. Menopause

Thyroid disorders can cause early onset of menopause (before age 40 or in the early 40s). Some symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may also be confused with early menopause. These include missed periods, hot flashes, inability to sleep (insomnia), and mood swings. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may sometimes alleviate symptoms of early menopause or prevent its onset.

If you have fertility issues due to hypothyroidism, NatuVitro offers specialized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation and, therefore, fertility. NatuVitro recognizes the complex interaction between thyroid function and reproductive health, and our experts are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized approaches. Through a combination of advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and a holistic understanding of the complex connections within the endocrine system, NatuVitro aims to optimize your chances of conception. 

Our team of fertility specialists is committed to guiding you on a path that not only addresses fertility issues related to hypothyroidism but also enhances your overall reproductive well-being. With NatuVitro, the focus is on empowering individuals facing fertility challenges related to hypothyroidism so that they can realize their dream of becoming a mother.

For comprehensive details about IVF In Vitro Fertilization, please refer to the treatments section.