Changes in energy, mood, or menstrual regularity can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to understand what your body is telling you. The thyroid, a gland responsible for regulating hormones and metabolism, plays a vital role in these functions. When it’s not working properly, it can influence reproductive health. Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and treatment, balance and fertility can often be restored. In this blog, we’ll explore how thyroid function impacts fertility and what steps can help support a healthy pregnancy.
How Does Your Thyroid Affect Fertility?
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and numerous bodily functions, including reproduction. According to the National Institutes of Health, thyroid disorders rank among the most common endocrine conditions in women of reproductive age.
Thyroid hormones work closely with reproductive hormones to ensure regular ovulation: the release of an egg from your ovary each month. When thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high, this delicate hormonal balance becomes disrupted, potentially leading to irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty conceiving.
Hypothyroidism and Fertility
An underactive thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormone, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle and interfere with normal ovulation. According to NIH research, hypothyroidism is associated with fertility challenges, including irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and may reduce chances of conception.
Can Thyroid Problems Impact Pregnancy?
Thyroid health plays an important role not only in conception but also throughout pregnancy. During pregnancy, your thyroid produces hormones that help regulate your metabolism and support your baby’s growth and brain development. Because the baby’s thyroid doesn’t begin functioning until later in pregnancy, maternal thyroid hormones are especially important in the early stages.
Low Thyroid Levels (Hypothyroidism)
If thyroid hormone levels are too low, it can contribute to complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, or developmental challenges for the baby. Fortunately, regular thyroid monitoring and appropriate medication can keep hormone levels balanced and significantly reduce these risks.
High Thyroid Levels (Hyperthyroidism)
When the thyroid is overactive, it may cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or weight loss. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can affect pregnancy health, but when identified early and treated under medical supervision, most women experience healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
With consistent care, thyroid conditions are manageable during pregnancy. Regular checkups, medication adjustments, and communication with your healthcare provider make it possible to maintain hormonal balance and support both maternal and fetal well-being.
What Should Women With Thyroid Disorders Know Before Trying To Conceive?
If you have a thyroid disorder and are planning to conceive, taking proactive steps before pregnancy can help improve your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy outcome.
- Check your thyroid levels early: Make sure your thyroid hormones are well balanced before you start trying for pregnancy.
- Work with your doctor: Your healthcare provider can adjust your medication or dosage to keep your levels in a healthy range.
- Medication safety: Thyroid medications are generally safe during pregnancy, but doses may need to change once you conceive.
- Monitor regularly: After becoming pregnant, your doctor will likely check your thyroid levels every few weeks.
- Stay consistent with treatment: Taking medication as prescribed and attending follow-up appointments helps support a healthy pregnancy.
Discuss Your Concerns with Our Endocrinologist
If you’re concerned about how a thyroid disorder might affect your ability to get pregnant, a comprehensive evaluation by an endocrinologist can help. At Hilltop Endocrinology, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo specializes in reproductive endocrinology. She takes time to listen carefully to your concerns, explain your condition clearly, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Contact us at (301) 567-9570 to schedule your consultation.
Read more: Should I see an ENT or endocrinologist for thyroid
