Can Hypothyroidism Affect Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is one of the common thyroid disorders when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones your body needs for varied functioning. Despite being a small gland, the thyroid has a big role in ensuring our health remains in check and our body functions properly. Therefore, its health and smooth functioning must be on your priority list. When it doesn’t perform well, it leads to two main conditions: Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism. Today, our topic of discussion will be Hypothyroidism.

People have several questions about the condition, one being whether it can affect your chances of conceiving. If you have the same doubts and want the answer, this blog is for you. Scroll down to find out all about Hypothyroidism and its link with pregnancy. So, let’s get started.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a form of thyroid disorder, which is also known as an underactive thyroid. It is the condition in which your thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormone required for varied bodily functions, leading to health complications.

What causes Hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

While the phase of pregnancy is beautiful, it comes with its challenges. The body’s demand for thyroid hormone increases to support the growing baby during this period. Women with a history of thyroid problems in the family are likely to develop Hypothyroidism during this period. Besides, here are a few risk factors that contribute to it:

• Family History: If anyone in your family has a history of thyroid disorder, you may be at higher risk of experiencing the problem.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder: Autoimmune thyroiditis is one of the common causes contributing to Hypothyroidism, leading to inflammation and reduced thyroid function.
• Iodine Deficiency: Pregnant women with low iodine levels may develop the condition due to inadequate production of thyroid hormones.

Can Hypothyroidism affect fertility?

It has the potential to affect fertility because the thyroid hormone is vital for regulating menstrual cycle and ovulation. When levels are imbalanced and when it doesn’t serve its purpose normally, it leads to irregular periods and ovulatory dysfunction, which may impact fertility. Still not satisfied with the answer? Scroll down for more information.

Ways Hypothyroidism Might Affect Fertility:

• Menstrual Irregularities: Hypothyroidism majorly influences your regular menstrual cycle, making it difficult to predict ovulation & optimize the timing of intercourse for conception.
• Ovulatory Dysfunction: Thyroid hormones can influence the normal menstrual cycle and affect the egg’s proper release from the ovary. Irregularity in ovulation, also called Anovulation, can reduce the chances of fertility.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Undeniably, thyroid hormones interact with other hormones involved in reproduction, affecting estrogen and progesterone and disrupting the delicate hormonal environment necessary for conception.
• Increased Risk Of Miscarriage: According to some studies, untreated Hypothyroidism may be associated with a high risk of miscarriage.

While the research is still ongoing, individuals with Hypothyroidism need to follow the instructions of their healthcare provider to manage the condition and increase their chances of conception (if trying). Fortunately, it is possible to get control over the irregularity in thyroid levels and improve fertility. However, taking charge in time is critical to make it happen.

Ways To Manage Thyroid During Pregnancy:

• Eat A Balanced Diet: You have a new life growing within you. Taking care of your diet and making nutritious choices that support healthy baby development and balanced thyroid function is essential.
• Attend Regular Prenatal Check: Being a parent comes with responsibilities, and getting tested in time, as suggested by your healthcare provider, is one of them. Attend all prenatal checkups to monitor your and the baby’s health while tracking thyroid function.
• Consider Routine Testing: Besides prenatal checks, you should routinely monitor thyroid levels as frequently as your healthcare provider suggests to ensure better condition management.

The journey of pregnancy is not easy; it comes with several challenges and responsibilities, and being attentive to your health and the life growing within you is essential to avoid complications. So, take it seriously.

Get Tested For Proper Monitoring And Management

If you have Hypothyroidism, your doctor may ask for routine thyroid testing to track changes in your thyroid levels, detect abnormalities, if any, and suggest preventive measures. Routine thyroid analysis allows timely intervention, minimizing your risk of developing complications.

Reach Redcliffe Labs For Thyroid Function Test

Whether you have Hypothyroidism or simply looking to measure thyroid levels, book Thyroid Function Test with Redcliffe Labs now. The test aims to measure thyroid levels, detect abnormalities, and help the doctor suggest treatment according to your health requirements.

The pregnancy phase is both beautiful and risky. Hence, being proactive about your every step is essential to ensure the well-being of your health and the life growing within you. It is the time when taking risks is not an option; you have to choose health over anything. So, for a healthy pregnancy, get tested in time and follow your healthcare provider’s advice. If you have any doubts, don’t be afraid to communicate.