If you are trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for more than 6 months, before proceeding with invasive medical procedures make sure that your thyroid is working at the best possible level.
Many women do not realize that good thyroid function is essential for fertility, the ability to conceive and maintain a good pregnancy. An underactive (or overactive) thyroid can prevent you from achieving the coveted pregnancy. While there are many different reasons for infertility, thyroid dysfunction can be this "missing link", especially for those who do not have specific infertility problems.
A complete thyroid assessment is necessary and should be done as soon as possible for any woman who wants to become pregnant, especially if -
- tries unsuccessfully to get pregnant for more than 6 months
- had two or more miscarriages
- has an irregular menstrual cycle
- has a family history of thyroid problems.
What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid gland is located in the neck below the larynx in front of the trachea. Every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones to regulate the body's metabolism, blood calcium levels, energy production, fat metabolism, oxygen, the balance of other hormones & weight maintenance.
Healthy thyroid function can be affected by -
- exposure to environmental toxins - electromagnetic radiation, chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals
- genetic susceptibility
- high stress levels
- nutrient deficiencies
- autoimmune disorders
- infections
- other hormonal imbalances e.g. estrogen dominance, high prolactin levels
Diet & lifestyle The modern western diet contributes significantly to the increase of thyroid health problems. Foods that impair thyroid function include refined grains, simple sugars, soy products, peanuts, caffeine, hydrogenated oils, smoking and alcohol. Exposure to heavy metals e.g. Mercury and lead can also be harmful.
Η διαχείριση του άγχους είναι επιτακτική ανάγκη. Το στρες έχει ως αποτέλεσμα αυξημένα επίπεδα κορτιζόλης που θεωρείται η κατεξοχήν ορμόνη του στρες. Η άσκηση τέλος είναι ευεργετική, καθώς θα διεγείρει την έκκριση θυρεοειδικών ορμονών.
Treating thyroid function is not the magic cure for all fertility problems, but for many women, as soon as thyroid health improved, fertility problems were resolved and they continued to have a healthy pregnancy and enjoy the treasures of motherhood.
