Undetected Thyroid Disorders Can Undermine
Your Ability to Get Pregnant
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, an underlying, undiagnosed, and untreated thyroid disorder may be the culprit. Because these conditions can affect your menstrual cycle and cause your periods to slow down or stop completely, it can dramatically affect your ability to get pregnant.
Fortunately, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility (REI) specialist Dr. Sonja B. Kristiansen can provide diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disorders and infertility. By reducing the effects that hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism has on your entire system, treatment at our Houston, TX, can restore your ability to conceive and grow your family.
Patient Experience
We strive to provide an outstanding patient experience throughout the course of fertility treatment at our Houston practice.
How Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Can Cause Infertility
The thyroid gland produces hormones which affect the entire body's metabolism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces more hormones than it should, which causes your body to use energy much faster than it should. When it goes undiagnosed, it can increase your risk of infertility.
In contrast, women with low levels of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism typically experience irregular periods or are not able to ovulate at all. When there is no egg released from the ovaries, you cannot get pregnant.
It Can Also Affect You During Pregnancy
If you do become pregnant, it is important to see a doctor immediately to get tested your thyroid levels. Women with untreated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are at greater risk of a miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy.
When to Get Tested
Our team recommends that you get evaluated for thyroid abnormalities if you:
- Are unable to conceive after trying for one year or more
- Have experienced more than two miscarriages
- Are having irregular periods
- Have a family history of thyroid issues
You should also see a doctor if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, including:
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Heart racing
- Brittle hair
- Muscle weakness
- Increased sweating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Swollen base of the neck
- Difficulty sleeping
Because the thyroid gland produces hormones that affect your entire body, undiagnosed hyperthyroidism can affect your day-to-day life and make simple tasks and work extremely difficult.
Treatment Options
To diagnose your disorder, we will perform a physical test of your neck and glands. We may also perform additional blood tests to check for levels of thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine and TSH. Fortunately, thyroid problems are often easily managed most of the time with medication. We can prescribe anti-thyroid medications to regulate your thyroid levels
Women with untreated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are at greater risk of a miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy.
With proper treatment, most women can dramatically improve their chances of pregnancy. In addition to improving your ability to get pregnant, it can help you reduce its other symptoms and dramatically improve your quality of life.
Get the Treatment You Need
Houston Fertility Center is equipped with advanced on-site technology to conveniently provide diagnosis and treatment of the various potential causes of infertility. We also have flexible hours to accommodate you on your schedule. To speak to us about how hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism might be affecting your fertility, call us or request an appointment online.
