So how can a small gland in your neck affect your fertility? The thyroid is part of the endocrine system which helps control our metabolism, the process of converting what you eat and drink into energy, through the hormones it releases. The pituitary gland sends a message to the thyroid via thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and releases triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. An imbalance in these hormones can cause thyroid dysfunction. if undiagnosed an imbalance can make it difficult to conceive and runs the risk of causing problems during pregnancy. A recent study showed women with unexplained infertility were more likely to have slightly higher than 'normal' range TSH levels. The good news is when an over or under thyroid is recognised and treated this can improve the chances of conceiving and a healthy pregnancy. I personally was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have worked with many ladies with both under and active thyroid, it is common and can be treated by your doctor with a prescription. In light of this it is worth getting a check as even if your TSH levels are slightly elevated as it may result in a difficulty to conceive.
There are two types of thyroid dysfunction that affect the body in different ways with varying symptoms;
UNDER ACTIVE THYROID
aka Hypothyroidism
Low levels of thyroid hormones due to an under active thyroid gland, affecting 2-4% of women.
Symptoms can include weight gain, fatigue, constipation, feeling cold, thinning hair, pale skin, and increased or heavier menstrual bleeding.
If untreated or under treated hypothyroidism can make it more difficult to conceive for women.
In men, hypothyroidism can affect sperm morphology.
When diagnosed, treatment is usually with a daily hormone replacement tablet called levothyroxine. This replaces the thyroxine hormone, which the thyroid does not make enough of. Usually regular blood tests are taken until the correct dose of levothyroxine is achieved.
Once medication is taken at the right level, and your thyroid hormone levels are back to normal, your chances of becoming pregnant should improve significantly.
During pregnancy, it is likely that you will require higher doses of levothyroxine especially during the first 20 weeks, to provide sufficient supply of thyroid hormones to the baby. Your doctor will check your blood levels throughout the pregnancy to check this.
If diagnosed with an under active thyroid, the following nutrients are linked to supporting thyroid function - iodine, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Food sources for these nutrients include; seaweed, fish including salmon, mackerel, cod and iodine, eggs, yoghurt, milk and nuts including brazil, macadamia and hazelnuts.
OVER ACTIVE THYROID
aka Hyperthyroidism
High levels of thyroid hormones due to an overactive thyroid gland, affecting up to 5% of women and often referred to as Graves' Disease.
Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, feelings of nervousness and anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fewer or lighter menstrual cycles, increased sweating, and heat intolerance.
If untreated hyperthyroidism can make it more difficult to conceive for women due to lighter / irregular periods affecting ovulation.
In men, hyperthyroidism may affect sperm count, motility and morphology, resulting in reduced fertility. The sperm count usually returns to normal once the thyroid condition has been treated.
Treatment is usually with anti-thyroid medications, there are a few different types that your doctor will decide depending on your levels the most suitable to prescribe you to help inhibit the over production of thyroid hormones.
During pregnancy, it is important to tell your doctor if you have previously had or have Graves' disease as you may still have Graves' antibodies in your blood which could affect you and/or your baby during or after your pregnancy. You will have regular check ups throughout pregnancy to be monitored.
The following nutrients are linked to helping support thyroid health if diagnosed with hyperthyroidism; iron, selenium, calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats. Food sources include; green leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts including brazil nuts and sunflower seeds, oat bran poultry, meat, mushrooms, fatty fish, avocado and olive oil.
SUMMARY
The bottom line is if for a tiny gland in your body, your thyroid has a big impact on your overall health and fertility.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms for an under or active thyroid or have a family history linked to thyroid dysfunction, it is worth speaking to your GP/doctor and they can help you get to the bottom of the symptoms. A simple blood test will flag up any issues and from there it is easy to be treated pretty easily with medication before it makes getting pregnant difficult. Because the thyroid is not checked normally, it is definitely worth having it checked as part of a fertility MOT. If you are thinking of starting to conceive or experiencing difficulty falling pregnant it is always worth having a few tests including a check for your thyroid to just to rule anything out and get your health in tip top shape.