Are you struggling to get pregnant? The underactive production of thyroid hormones can be a significant reason. Yes, don’t just think you’re the only reason for infertility; your partner’s hypothyroidism condition can also cause infertility.
Other than delayed pregnancy, hypothyroidism can be the reason for the slow down of overall body metabolism. Immediate addressing of this disease effectively helps you to manage the potential side effects.
So, consulting your doctor is very important if you experience any hypothyroidism symptoms. But how can you know them? Keep reading this blog to learn about this serious condition.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, a condition also be known as underactive thyroid disease. From the name, anyone can easily understand that it is a disease because of less secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland.
It is common among the people over 60 years old. The primary reasons for hypothyroidism are non-cancerous lumps, cancer, iodine deficiency, inflammation, autoimmune disease, and poor lifestyle habits.
Generally, people with hypothyroidism can witness slow body metabolism and experience these symptoms. They are:
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Brain fog (difficulty concentrating).
- Anxiety and depression.
- Dry and coarse hair and skin.
- Feeling tired and unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
- Heavy or frequent periods.
- Improved levels of blood cholesterol.
- Drooping eyelids and unexplained weight gain.
- Soreness, muscle weakness, and puffiness around the eyes.
There is also a chance that many people may not notice these critical symptoms for months or years. But, once you start observing any of these side effects frequently, then prioritise visiting the hospital immediately.
Other than these common symptoms, an underactive thyroid state can also influence reproductive health and can even cause several interruptions in conception. Now, let’s see what connects hypothyroidism and fertility here.
Hypothyroidism and Fertility
As mentioned earlier, hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid glands won’t produce enough amount of hormones.
The low hormone levels can severely interfere with the reproductive health of both men and women.
Particularly, if a couple is trying for conception with hypothyroidism, then they may witness infertility, delay in pregnancy, and other barriers to successful conceiving.
Why it causes infertility?
Well, thyroid hormones are essential for successful fertilization. Low levels of thyroid hormones severely interfere with the ovulation process.
Even if you’ve managed to get pregnant with hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid hormones may result in miscarriages. It happens because the normal amount of thyroid hormone is essential for the growth and development of the fetus’s brain and body.
So, the interruption of fetal development and the ovulation cycle of women are the most important reasons for infertility.
Effects on Women
Hypothyroidism means the body produces a lesser amount of thyroid hormone, resulting in slow metabolism and severe muscle aches. The side effects of hypothyroidism in women are seen in their skin, hair, nails, menstrual cycle, and muscles.
This condition causes irregular periods or complete absence of the menstrual cycle. Underactive thyroid hormone affects the eggs released from the ovary and changes the period cycle.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism can also be a reason for issues like heavy bleeding during periods that result in anemia. Likewise, the underactive production of thyroid hormone interferes with the reproductive function in women.
Effects on Men
Just like women, men also witness issues with their reproductive function.
Underproduction of thyroid hormones causes a lesser amount of hormones into your bloodstream. It negatively affects every man’s reproductive system, and they can face difficulties during ejaculation.
Men with hypothyroidism can experience low sexual drive, ejaculatory dysfunction, and interruption in semen and sperm quality and production.
According to the reports, this condition increases the chance of premature ejaculation.
Tests to Determine Hypothyroidism
Here is a list of tests available to determine the condition of underactive thyroid hormone production.
- TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test
- Free Thyroxine test Free T4
- Triiodothyronine T3 tests
- Radioactive iodine tests
- Thyroid ultrasound and antibody tests
These tests help healthcare providers assess thyroid function and determine the appropriate treatment for hypothyroidism.
Once the test results are out, doctors can start the treatment for hypothyroidism. Even though it is a permanent condition, managing it effectively helps to overcome infertility and irregular periods.
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism and Infertility
Hormone replacement therapy
The main treatment for hypothyroidism is Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones to make up for what the underactive thyroid can’t produce.
The most commonly used medication is levothyroxine (T4), which helps restore hormone balance and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism, improving overall well-being.
Regulating the menstrual cycle
Hypothyroidism can disrupt menstrual cycles, leading to irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
By balancing thyroid hormone levels, hormone replacement therapy can help get your cycle back on track. These hormones play a key role in regulating the reproductive system, ensuring your periods run smoothly again.
Fertility treatments
One of the biggest challenges of hypothyroidism is its impact on fertility. For some couples, treatments and lifestyle changes may not be enough to overcome this hurdle.
In such cases, options like IVF(In Vitro Fertilization), IUI(Intrauterine Insemination), or ICSI(Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can offer a path to successful conception and parenthood.
Best foods for hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a non-reversible condition in which your body produces less thyroid hormones. If you have this condition, you can follow a specific diet plan and eliminate processed foods and gluten to manage this condition.
- Intake required amount of iodine.
- Eat Brazil nuts, eggs, legumes, and other selenium-rich foods to protect the thyroid gland from oxidative damage.
- Consume vitamin D, B12, and A, magnesium, iron, and calcium-rich foods to support thyroid health and effectively manage overall well-being.
- Try incorporating different types of berries, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, citrus fruits, pineapples, and bananas that promote digestion, improve thyroid function, and reduce inflammation.
- Eggs, pulses, and legumes, such as moong dal, masoor dal, and chana dal, are high in protein, which helps to transform thyroid hormones throughout the body.
- Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and leafy greens support healing of the thyroid gland and improve your body’s metabolic activity.
Avoid goitrogenic foods, processed foods, canned foods, soy products, and gluten-containing items. Also, implement new lifestyle changes, such as exercising, yoga, and mindfulness practices.
Such habits help shape your life better and effectively manage hypothyroidism. Always remember that consulting a specialised healthcare provider is the best way to get a curated diet chart. Following their valuable advice can also improve your life standards.
Last few words
Hypothyroidism is a permanent yet manageable condition that significantly affects fertility. So, individuals experiencing infertility issues with the symptoms of hypothyroidism should seek medical evaluation and treatment.
In addition, include the listed foods that can effectively manage hypothyroidism. Finally, always consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalised advice and dietary adjustments.
People also ask
Yes, there is a chance for miscarriages if the hypothyroidism condition is ignored or left untreated. Other than this, hypothyroidism can also increase the risk of cesarean birth and excessive bleeding during delivery.
When a male is affected by an underactive thyroid, he can expect changes in sex drive, muscle pain, dry skin and hair, weight gain, depression, brain fog, constipation, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
Men with hypothyroidism can include changes in their diet and lifestyle habits to overcome thyroid problems. On the other hand, they must consult the doctor to get supplement recommendations.
No, it is not possible to reverse or completely cure the hypothyroidism. People affected with this condition can manage hypothyroidism through hormone replacement therapy or altering lifestyle habits.
