You already know that a malfunctioning thyroid gland can cause you to feel fatigued, and that problems with your thyroid can lead to weight gain and other serious health problems. But did you know that the condition of your thyroid can have a profound impact on your reproductive health as well.
Your thyroid has an important job to do, and that includes regulating your reproductive system. If your doctor has diagnosed you with an underactive or overactive thyroid, it is important to share that information with your OB/GYN. Sharing all of your health concerns, including problems with your thyroid, can enhance continuity of care and ensure that you stay feeling your best.
Impacts on Both Genders
It is important to know that thyroid problems can impact both men and women, but the two genders are affected in different ways. In men, thyroid issues can lead to erectile problems and issues with sperm quality. In women, thyroid issues have been linked with reductions in fertility, and a disruption in normal menstrual cycle.
A Delicate Balance
Your thyroid helps to preserve the normal function of the ovaries and the maturation of the eggs on a monthly basis. If your thyroid gland produces too much or too little of those normal hormones, that delicate balance is thrown off, and that can have implications for your reproductive health.
Some of the problems associated with thyroid disorders include irregular periods, problems getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term and disorders with ovulation. Each of these issues can be quite serious, so it is important to discuss your concerns with your family doctor and your OB/GYN. If you are already experiencing these symptoms and have not had your thyroid checked, you should ask your doctor to evaluate your hormone levels to rule out both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
What is Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Women with hyperthyroidism may experience problems getting pregnant, and if they do get pregnant, they are more likely to suffer miscarriages.
Overactive thyroid is far more common in women than men. In fact, women are 10 times more likely to suffer from hyperthyroidism than their male counterparts. If you are of childbearing age and having trouble conceiving, you should ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is at the other end of the spectrum. Those with hypothyroidism have thyroid glands that produce too few hormones, leading to feelings of fatigue and mental fogginess, poor concentration, memory problems and weight gain.
Women with underactive thyroid often have infrequent or extremely light menstrual cycles, and sometimes no menstruation at all. These menstrual issues are three times more common in women with hypothyroid than in the normal population.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of underactive or overactive thyroid, it is important to talk to your doctor and have your hormone levels checked. Your thyroid gland plays an important role in your overall health, and just as vital a role in your reproductive health.
