Q: Will My Thyroid Problem Make it Harder to Get Pregnant?
If you have an over or underactive thyroid, it can be more difficult to conceive and also increases the risk of a miscarriage.
Around 23% of women who struggle with infertility have thyroid dysfunction, and treating the thyroid disorder can improve their chance of conceiving.
Hypothyroidism, Fertility, and Pregnancy
Thyroid hormones play many critical roles in fertility and pregnancy.
Each month as part of a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg to potentially be fertilized. Thyroid hormones function to stimulate ovulation, and when those levels are low, your body may release eggs sporadically or not at all.
If your body does release an egg and you become pregnant, the risk of miscarriage is higher when thyroid levels are low. The fertilized egg may not be able to properly implant in the uterus, or mature appropriately.
Thyroid hormones are also essential for the normal development of the brain and nervous system in the developing fetus. The thyroid glands of a fetus do not fully function until around 18-20 weeks, so the baby is dependent on adequate hormones passing from mother to child until that time.
Hyperthyroidism, Fertility, and Pregnancy
An overactive thyroid can also cause light or irregular periods and prevent ovulation. The risk of miscarriage is higher when high thyroid levels are present.
If you do become pregnant while your thyroid levels are high, there is a greater chance of complications such as high blood pressure, low birth weight, and premature delivery.
Thyroid Disorders Do Not Have to Impact Your Fertility or Pregnancy
Over and underactive thyroid problems are very treatable!
Leaving thyroid conditions unmonitored or untreated can impact your chance of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Your medical team can work with you to manage your thyroid levels and protect your fertility.
When you receive proper treatment, your fertility can quickly return. Talk with your medical team today about managing your thyroid levels and preparing for pregnancy.
