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Thyroid disease and fertility

Sub-fertility and hypothyroidism

It is the case that a woman suffering from hypothyroidism, the so-called ‘under-active thyroid’ may have difficulty conceiving.

Some women with hypothyroidism contact their doctor about difficulty conceiving and the condition is discovered in the process of investigating the sub-fertility.

How low thyroid hormone may cause infertility

Low thyroid hormone causes failure to ovulate. This may be through an interference with the normal hormonal environment in the body.

Problems caused by low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) during pregnancy

For women who conceive in spite of the thyroid hormone deficiency, a number of problems may be encountered:

Ø There is an increased tendency to miscarry. Ironically they may also have prolonged pregnancy, requiring intervention in the form of labour induction.

Ø There is increased susceptibility to pregnancy complications such as anaemia, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage.

Ø The baby may be of low birth weight and generally in this group of women, the loss of babies during the birth is slightly higher than average.

Treatment for a pregnant woman who has an under-active thyroid

The treatment is simple, safe and effective. Thyroxin (also spelt ‘Thyroxine’)- which is the thyroid hormone - is administered orally daily, at a dose determined after a specific blood test. The tests will be repeated a number of times to ensure continued adequate replacement.

Taking thyroxine and breast-feeding

It is completely safe to breast-feed while taking thyroxin.

Recognizing hypothyroidism by the sufferer

Unfortunately, it is rather difficult for the sufferer to recognize the condition. This is because the symptoms are quite non-specific. For the majority, the condition is stumbled upon in the course of investigation other - seemingly unrelated - problems such as infertility, menstrual irregularities or weight problems.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Next Page

Unexplained lethargy may be a symptom of hypothyroidism