Thyroid Imbalance and Fertility
Do you have premature ovarian failure, recurring miscarriage, unexplained infertility or an ovulation disorder? Thyroid imbalance can contribute to all of the above. Even if you’ve been told your thyroid labs are “normal” .....keep reading!!
The thyroid is a little butterfly shaped organ that sits on your windpipe in the front of your neck. It is like a thermostat for the body, influencing temperature, hormone balance & metabolism.
When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) it interferes with fertility. This can be driven by the immune system as seen in Hashimoto’s. A cascade of hormones is necessary for ovulation to occur. Our thyroid hormone is part of this cascade, supporting the communication between our brain and our ovaries. This communication coordinates when an egg matures and when it is released (ovulation).
Evidence shows that even mild thyroid conditions greatly increase the risk of miscarriage. Even when thyroid function (measured with TSH) looks “normal”, thyroid antibodies significantly increased risk of miscarriage. If you have been told your thyroid is “normal”, ask for your numbers! It is well documented that TSH should be 2.5 or lower for fertility.
Signs of low thyroid function often show up in your cycle! Look for:
Heavy periods
Abnormal cervical mucus patterns
Follicular phase BBT consistently below 97.0F
Luteal phase <10 days
Low progesterone
Delayed ovulation
Get your thyroid checked out if you have a history of miscarriage, PCOS, unexplained infertility, ovulation disorder or premature ovarian failure. TSH alone is NOT adequate, subclinical hypothyroid can impact fertility and is best assessed looking at full function of the thyroid.
Ask for the following labs:
TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and Thyroglobulin antibodies.
Nutrition is a big part of thyroid function! Here are a few things that can interfere with thyroid function:
Poor gut health. Inflammation, constipation & tummy troubles can interfere with the activation of thyroid hormone, ability to digest nutrients appropriately, trigger autoimmune response and lead to other hormone imbalances
Immune system dysfunction. The majority of your immune system lives in your gut, even if you don’t have tummy troubles, you must start here!
Poor diet or a diet lacking in nutrients can interfere with thyroid function. Additionally, foods that don’t agree with our bodies lead to inflammation and poor gut health.
Consistently getting poor sleep and being chronically stressed can also interfere with the thyroids ability to function at its best, including interfering with gut health.
Looking for ways to support your thyroid function!? Check out the 4 Tips to Support Thyroid Health handout below.
Thyroid Imbalance and Fertility
Brooke Boskovich, The Fertility Dietitian
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
