Thyroid disorders and female infertility

Thyroid problems include a variety of disorders that can cause insufficient (hypothyroidism) or excessive (hyperthyroidism) production of 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 is producing 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 generally 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 at 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 another healthcare professional.
hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can cause Graves' disease, which has many symptoms such as sweating, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), weight loss, bulging eyes, and anxiety.

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 inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause a 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, arise from the layer of cells lining the inner 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 lead to problems 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 produces little or no thyroid hormone. The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone replacement is synthetic levothyroxine (T4).

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Information on 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 menstruation are common in both cases. Low levels of thyroid hormones can even prevent conception or cause miscarriage.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition. It can 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. Here are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Feeling fatigued
• Inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
• Hoarse voice
• Swelling of the face
• Tendency to gain weight
• Constipation
• Changes in skin and hair, including dry skin and loss of eyebrows
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling or pain in the hands)
• Decreased heart rate
• Muscle cramps
• Problems concentrating
• Irregular menstrual cycles

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 early months of pregnancy, the fetus relies 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 levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine or T4) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in the serum to check if you have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is often suspected when TSH levels are higher than normal and T4 levels are lower than normal.

Who should undergo thyroid function testing?

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 can 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. Treatment is safe and essential for both the mother and the fetus. Routine screening exams for all newborns include a test for thyroid hormone levels.

How does a thyroid disorder affect a woman's body?

1. Puberty and menstruation

Thyroid disorders can cause abnormally early or late puberty and menstruation. Additionally, abnormally high or low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to very light or very heavy periods, very irregular menstruation, or no menstruation (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. Furthermore, the ovaries are at higher risk of developing cysts if the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism). Severe hypothyroidism can even cause milk production in the breasts while preventing ovulation.

3. Pregnancy and postpartum

Thyroid disorders during pregnancy can harm the fetus and lead to thyroid problems in the mother after childbirth, such as postpartum thyroiditis. A deficiency in thyroid hormones can cause miscarriages, premature births, fetal deaths, and postpartum hemorrhaging. Women with hyperthyroidism during pregnancy may experience more intense morning sickness. Treatment methods for 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 absence of menstruation, hot flashes, inability to sleep (insomnia), and mood swings. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may sometimes relieve symptoms of early menopause or prevent its onset.

If you are facing 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 thus fertility. NatuVitro recognizes the complex interaction between thyroid function and reproductive health, and our experts are committed to providing integrated 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 dedicated 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 linked to hypothyroidism so they can realize their dream of becoming a mother.

For complete details on IVF In Vitro Fertilization, please refer to the treatment section.