Can you get pregnant with mild hypothyroidism?
Role of Thyroid Hormones in Reproductive Health When a woman has hypothyroidism, the ovaries may produce fewer mature follicles, prompt ovulation less often, and delay maturation of the corpus luteum. If these issues are recognized and addressed, then pregnancy usually occurs normally.
Can borderline underactive thyroid affect fertility?
Subclinical hypothyroidism may have an association with unexplained infertility in women, according to a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School who believe the finding could point to an “economical first step” in treating people trying to conceive.
How common is infertility with hypothyroidism?
In one study of a group of almost 400 women suffering from infertility, 24% of participants were found to have hypothyroidism — but within a year of treatment, 76% were able to conceive.
What should your thyroid level be when trying to conceive?
The best way to assess thyroid levels is to ask for a blood test. Conventional wisdom suggests that 4.2 should be the upper limit for TSH. However, recent studies have suggested that TSH should be no higher than 2.5 when trying to conceive and 3.0 during pregnancy.
How does thyroid affect getting pregnant?
Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), which impairs fertility. In addition, some of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism — such as certain autoimmune or pituitary disorders — may impair fertility.
How does low thyroid affect pregnancy?
Pregnant women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism can get high blood pressure, anemia (low red blood cell count), and muscle pain and weakness. There is also an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), or even stillbirth.
Can you have a healthy baby with hypothyroidism?
If properly controlled, often by increasing the amount of thyroid hormone, women with hypothyroidism can have healthy, unaffected babies. For patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT), also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there is some evidence to suggest an increased risk of pregnancy loss.
What foods should I avoid if I have hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
So if you do, it’s a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function.
How can I control my hypothyroidism naturally during pregnancy?
Taking certain vitamin supplements can have an effect on your thyroid health. Low thyroid hormones can affect your body’s vitamin B-12 levels. Taking a vitamin B-12 supplement may help you repair some of the damage hypothyroidism caused. Vitamin B-12 can help with the tiredness thyroid disease can cause.
How is hypothyroidism treated in pregnancy?
Hypothyroidism is treated with a synthetic (man-made) hormone called levothyroxine, which is similar to the hormone T4 made by the thyroid. Your doctor will adjust the dose of your levothyroxine at diagnosis of pregnancy and will continue to monitor your thyroid function tests every 4-6 weeks during pregnancy.
What should a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism eat?
Thyroid Disease and Eating During Pregnancy Good sources of iodine are dairy foods, seafood, eggs, meat, poultry, and iodized salt—salt with added iodine. Experts recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with 150 micrograms of iodine to make sure you’re getting enough, especially if you don’t use iodized salt.
How can I control my thyroid during pregnancy?
Your doctor may ask to increase your dose of thyroxine of you are suffering from pre-existing hypothyroidism, this will help maintain normal thyroid function. The intake of synthetic thyroxine is found to be safe and necessary for the well-being of the fetus if the mother has hypothyroidism.
When should I start taking thyroxine during pregnancy?
Many endocrinologists advise pregnant women to take a higher dose of Levothyroxine as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and to come in to have blood tests for TSH more often to ensure that the level remains normal.
Is it OK to take thyroid medicine while pregnant?
Yes, it’s safe. In fact, it’s unsafe not to take thyroid medication during pregnancy if you need it. Whether you have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or the much less common hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), you’ll probably need to take medication and be closely monitored.