Could Your Thyroid Be Keeping You From Conceiving?

It turns out, the thyroid plays a pretty important role in fertility, pregnancy, and the health of your baby. But there's still a lot we're learning about how thyroid issues affect reproduction.

When your thyroid isn't functioning properly, it can mess with your menstrual cycle and ovulation, which are key players in getting pregnant. Even more, thyroid problems can lead to not-so-great outcomes during pregnancy, like miscarriages. Interestingly, even guys aren't off the hook – hypothyroidism can mess with sperm motility (how they swim) in men.

Your thyroid is like a traffic controller for your body's functions, and that includes making sure everything is I hape for conception and pregnancy. Speaking of pregnancy, it can actually influence your thyroid, causing some changes in hormone levels and the size of the gland.

Now, you might be wondering, what thyroid issues can make it harder to get pregnant? Well, there's hypothyroidism (when your thyroid is sluggish), which can make fertility a bit more elusive, especially if your TSH levels are on the higher end of normal. On the flip side, hyperthyroidism (when your thyroid is overactive) can throw a wrench in the works too, affecting sperm quality in guys. Oh, and nutrient deficiencies can also play a role. It's like your body needs a perfect recipe of nutrients for a successful pregnancy.

PCOS, excessive exercise, eating disorders, and even certain tumors can make it harder to release eggs.

Now, let's talk about the journey from conception to a healthy baby. During the early stages of pregnancy, your little one depends entirely on your thyroid hormones. It's not until around 10 to 12 weeks that their thyroid starts pitching in. Iodine is another superstar here – it's a must for making thyroid hormones and promoting brain development. In fact, studies have shown that iodine intake during pregnancy can boost your kiddo's IQ down the road.

But the story doesn't end there. Postpartum thyroiditis can rear its head within a year of giving birth, causing either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Some women might not fully bounce back to their pre-pregnancy selves even after that year is up.

Before you even start trying to conceive, there's something called preconception care. Did you know that it takes about 100 days for a woman's eggs to get ready for release, and sperm take about 116 days to form? During this time, they're vulnerable to damage, which is why it's a good idea to start preconception care about 3 months before you plan to conceive. This might involve things like detoxifying your body, eating the right foods, and making sure you're getting the right nutrients.

Your journey to parenthood is unique, and taking care of your thyroid and overall health can make a big difference. Are you ready to start preconception care? Email Angel@AlternativeHealthwithAngel.com to get started.