Fertility and the hormone Estrogen are coupled tightly with each other, but do you know that another crucial hormone also affects fertility. Yes, it’s true !!! They are the “thyroid hormones”. In this blog, we will learn – “What is the connection between the thyroid and fertility? “
Understanding Thyroid Disorders
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. This gland secretes Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) hormones, which essentially control the body’s metabolism.
Thyroid disorders refer to a group of disorders resulting due to malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. There are two consequences of thyroid irregularity:-
- Hyperthyroidism – Overproduction of Thyroid Hormones
- Hypothyroidism – Underproduction of Thyroid hormones
Graves’ disease, an Autoimmune disease, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In women, the most common autoimmune hypothyroid disorder is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
How do thyroid disorders affect fertility?
Effects of thyroid disorders in women:-
Either of the above-mentioned thyroid disorders affects conceiving a child or the ability to carry the fetus in the womb. Below are the effects of higher/lower abnormal TSH levels:-
- Interference with ovulation
- Disruption of the luteal phase, which is the last half of the cycle after ovulation.
- Women have difficulty getting pregnant because there will not be implantation.
- Disrupting the menstrual cycle
- Reduction in sperm count
- Increasing the risk of early-term miscarriage or a premature birth
Symptoms to look out for to identify thyroid disorders:-
- The mensural cycle is shorter or longer than your normal cycle.
- Women experience less or heavy bleeding compared to their usual flow.
- The window of bleeding also is longer or shorter
- Tiredness and Fatigue
- Soreness in the muscles
- Memory problems/Forgetfulness
- Skin and hair become dry
- Unexplained weight gain
- Increased sensitivity to cold
Effects of thyroid disorders in men:-
One should not be mistaken that these disorders only affect women. When it comes to fertility, Thyroid disorders in men also affect a couple’s chances of having a baby. An imbalance in thyroid function damages the sperm quality and motility, and hence, the sperm cannot enter the egg for implantation.
How to combat Thyroid disorders and enhance fertility?
Since thyroid hormone levels play an important role in fertility, work with your doctor to achieve a stable and balanced thyroid level based on your individual needs. If you have Graves’ disease, inform your doctor, even if your condition is under control.
Make the following changes in your lifestyle to correct your thyroid disorders naturally:-
Dietary changes
Eat Iodine rich foods:- Foods that are naturally high in iodine include:
- Cranberries
- Whole fat yoghurt
- Beans
- Strawberries
- Potatoes with the skin left on
- Himalayan crystal sea salt
Eat foods rich in key nutrients:- The below vitamins support balanced production of thyroid hormones :
- Zinc along with vitamin E and A
- Vitamins B and vitamin C
- Zinc, copper, and selenium
- Vitamin D and is easy to find in supplement form if you aren’t getting enough from the sun.
- Selenium is another important nutrient for thyroid health, and its best source is nuts.
Reduce stress:- Long duration chronic stress aggravates the adrenal glands, which causes catabolism, i.e. destructive metabolism. If this condition prolongs, then the body slows down the thyroid to protect itself. Thus, the thyroid becomes underactive, leading to Hypothyroidism and a compromised immune system.
Increase Physical Activity:-
The body looks for indicators that the couple is healthy and fit enough to carry a child very subtly. One need not become a bodybuilder, but a healthy body and mind, helps the couple get pregnant quickly and enjoy this joyous occasion in their lives. Choose a workout that works best for you, do it regularly.
Get good sleep:-
Sleep is an essential part of relaxing and calming both the body and mind. Get a healthy 6-8 hours of undisturbed sleep every day.
Remember, “Prevention is better than Cure”. So any moment is a good moment to adopt a healthy lifestyle. We have a comprehensive team of gynaecologists and endocrinologists who will work together with you to manage any Thyroid disorders. Come reach us at 91-9100002737, +91-9392834024 or email us at Info@zivafertility.com.
