Autoimmune thyroid disease increases female infertility

Autoimmune thyroid disease or autoimmune thyroiditis is a fairly common disease. This disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that gradually destroy the thyroid gland and affect its function. If the antibodies cause chronic damage, reducing the ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones, the patient will develop hypothyroidism. Conversely, if antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much hormone, it will cause hyperthyroidism. Whether hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone disorders affect fertility in women.

Thus, thyroid disease can shorten the luteal phase. This phase begins after ovulation until the first day of the next menstruation. When the luteal phase is shortened, the fertilized egg is likely to be expelled from the body during menstruation before it has had a chance to implant in the uterine wall, thereby reducing the chances of fertilization. Thyroid hormone imbalance also causes an imbalance of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which directly affects a woman’s ability to conceive.

In addition, depending on its ability to affect thyroid hormone levels, each condition will have a different effect on fertility. Thyroid hormone deficiency interferes with ovulation and causes an anovulatory cycle. In the absence of ovulation, the patient will not be able to conceive despite having normal periods. Hypothyroidism can also cause irregular periods with periods longer than 35 days.

There is also evidence that hypothyroidism can lead to cyst formation in the ovaries and reduce fertility in women. In addition, this condition also stimulates the body to produce prolactin (a hormone that controls milk production). High levels of prolactin in the body will affect the ability to ovulate.

Evidence of an association between hyperthyroidism and female infertility is often lacking. However, according to experts, excess thyroid hormone in the blood is associated with amenorrhea (short menstrual periods with low menstrual blood volume) or polymenorrhea (menstrual cycles of less than 21 days). These conditions all cause menstrual disorders and make it difficult for women to get pregnant.

Although it has many effects on a woman’s fertility, if the patient manages to control this condition, the chances of pregnancy will increase significantly. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy, which helps supply the body with a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers, or surgery. Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease need to keep their condition under control and work with their doctor to develop a pregnancy plan that is right for them.

Phuong Quynh
(According to Verywellhealth, Mayo Clinic, Everydayhealth)

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