How the thyroid affects fertility

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Want To Start A Family? The Role Your Thyroid Plays

Unfortunately, infertility is on the rise across the globe. But a surprising amount of infertility, pregnancy complications and problems in early infancy can be traced back to thyroid issues of the mother. The thyroid plays an incredibly important role when it comes to conception and maintenance of a healthy pregnancy.

How the thyroid affects preconception

Thyroid hormones are needed to produce luteinising hormone, the hormone responsible for ovulation. So the very first step of pregnancy – producing a mature egg for fertilising – is reliant on the right balance of thyroid hormones. If the thyroid is underactive, ovulation may not occur at all during the cycle.

But it’s not just women who need to be aware of their thyroid for preconception. An underactive thyroid can reduce the male libido, drop the sperm count and even damage them. This can increase the risk of miscarriage as well as reducing the chance of falling pregnancy in the first place. An overactive thyroid can also lead to damaged sperm.

Pregnancy and the thyroid

If the thyroid isn’t balanced during pregnancy, it can lead to a host of issues.

A pregnancy with sub-optimal thyroid hormones carries a higher risk of miscarriage and pre-term birth. This is because insufficient thyroid hormones reduce the body temperature, and the embryo requires a specific temperature in order to grow. If the temperature gets too low, it will cease to grow.

Women with thyroid imbalances are more likely to experience symptoms throughout their pregnancy such as fatigue and mood swings. There is also a higher risk of deformities. The baby is at risk of low birth weight and underdeveloped thyroid and sex organs.

It’s important to note that pregnancy can also trigger thyroid issues, thanks to the fluctuation of hormone levels. This is why it’s essential to monitor your thyroid throughout the pregnancy and post-natal, especially if you experience any thyroid symptoms.

Steps for optimal fertility

Is a family on the cards now, or in the near future? Here are some steps that will help you boost your chances of falling pregnant naturally.

  • Check your vitamin D level, and address if it is too low. Vitamin D is a precursor for sex hormones, so if you don’t have enough, you can’t produce the right level of hormones.

  • Stock up on good fats. These are the building blocks of your sex hormones. Olive oil, avocado, oily fish, nuts and seeds are great foods to add in daily for your dose of good fats.

  • Reduce your use of plastics such as plastic containers. These contain compounds that can interfere with your natural hormones.

  • If you know you have a thyroid condition, look at a preconception care plan. Working with a practitioner that works with optimising your thyroid levels can support your body throughout pre-conception, pregnancy and beyond.

Are you ready to work towards a new family member? Make sure you book in an appointment today, and we’ll create a plan that will optimise your thyroid and hormones levels and give you the best chance at a healthy pregnancy.

Tara Nelson