Thyroid Health & Fertility - things to know!
Thyroid Health and Fertility
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, secretes hormones that influence various bodily functions, including metabolism and reproductive health. TSH – or the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – stimulates the thyroid to release these hormones.
Why is this important for fertility?
Maintaining a delicate balance of thyroid hormones is crucial for reproductive health, as they influence menstrual regularity, ovulation, and the overall environment for a successful pregnancy. An undiagnosed thyroid condition can make it difficult to conceive, and it can also cause problems during pregnancy itself.
What are TSH levels and why are they important in Fertility?
Your TSH levels are a sensitive indicator of thyroid function. Elevated or suppressed TSH levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (when an egg is not released from your ovary during a menstrual cycle) and an increased risk of miscarriage.
A high level of TSH indicates an underactive thyroid. Women may have longer or heavier periods, which can cause anaemia, or your periods may stop completely. High TSH levels are also associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, and men’s fertility may also be affected.
A low level of TSH indicates an overactive thyroid. Women may have lighter, irregular periods and find it difficult to conceive, and in men it can cause a reduction in sperm count, resulting in reduced fertility.
How do you test TSH levels?
It is recommended that women intending to conceive undergo thyroid screening, which includes testing TSH levels. Monitoring TSH levels and addressing any abnormalities can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Rubella immunity and fertility
Catching rubella can be very serious for your baby if you catch it in the early stages of pregnancy. It can cause blindness and deafness in your unborn child, and can even result in losing the baby or having to consider a termination of your pregnancy.
The best protection against rubella is the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated, you will need to be before you get pregnant. Most people are vaccinated as children, but if you are not sure whether you have been, confirm with your doctor or make sure you have a pre-pregnancy blood test to see if you are immune to the disease
Get in touch to learn more about preconception tests at LCRH. At LCRH, we conduct preconception tests to check your vitamin D levels, TSH levels, and rubella immunity, plus a full blood count. Alternatively, we may refer to your GP.
For more information, book a consultation, or schedule an informal chat about your personal situation with an experienced member of our admin team. You can also call us on (UK) 0203 773 5311.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210343/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7076312/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28667465/
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/news/2021/british-nutrition-foundation-survey-reveals-49-adults-unaware-of-uk-government-guidelines-for-vitamin-d/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605301/
https://www.btf-thyroid.org/pregnancy-and-fertility-in-thyroid-disorders
