THYROID GLAND AND PREGNANCY

The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck. It is made up of two lobes – right and left, which are connected to each other by isthmus. In shape, the body resembles a butterfly. Under the influence of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin), secreted by the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland produces T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).

The thyroid gland affects all organs and systems – cardiovascular, nervous, digestive system and reproductive system. It is very important about metabolism and psyche. Disorders of thyroid hormones in women can cause disruption of ovulation, menstruation and even lead to infertility. Sometimes the thyroid gland synthesizes too many hormones – a state of hyperfunction (hyperthyroidism) or too little – hypofunction (hypothyroidism).

The following symptoms can be seen in various forms of hyperthyroidism: • nervousness, emotional lability, hyperkinesis • increased sweating, heat intolerance • palpitations • easy fatigue and shortness of breath with physical exertion • weight loss with increased appetite, rarely – weight gain • increased, rarely decreased appetite • hair loss • increased intestinal motility, diarrhea • swelling of the lower extremities • sleep disturbance • polyuria • menstrual disorders, decreased libido

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: • fatigue • weight gain • dry skin and chills • yellowish skin color • hair loss • hoarse voice • goiter • delayed reflexes • ataxia (uncoordinated movements of the limbs) • constipation • memory impairment • decreased concentration • depression menstrual disorders and infertility • myalgias • hyperlipidemia • bradycardia • hypothermia • myxedema

Thyroid hormones are crucial for the normal development of the brain, nervous system and fetal growth.

During pregnancy, the thyroid gland grows in size by at least 10%, the need for thyroid hormones increases significantly as well as the need for essential elements contained in thyroid hormones such as iodine.

The daily iodine intake during pregnancy and lactation should be at least 250 µg, but should not exceed 500 µg due to the risk of potential thyroid dysfunction. Pregnant and lactating women can meet a significant proportion of their iodine needs through the use of: • iodized salt • foods made with iodized salt (bread, cheese, milk) • natural sources of iodine (fish and seafood)

Iodine-containing combination preparations that contain vitamins and minerals can be taken during pregnancy. Screening for thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is performed in the following cases:

women with clinical symptoms of thyroid disease

women with elevated thyroid antibodies or goiter

women after thyroid surgery

women treated with levothyroxine

women over 30 years of age

family history of thyroid disease

women with type 1 diabetes mellitus or other autoimmune disease

women with a previous abortion or premature birth

multiple pregnancy

obesity (BMI> 40 kg / m2)

administration of Amiodarone, Lithium, iodine-containing X-ray contrast agents in the last weeks before pregnancy

women from iodine deficient regions

What are the normal reference values for TSH in pregnant women?

• first trimester: 0.1 – 2.5 mIU / L;
• second trimester: 0.2 – 3.0 mIU / L;
• third trimester: 0.3 – 3.0 mIU / L.

Explicit hypothyroidism in pregnant women is associated with an increased risk of complications: • premature birth • miscarriage • preeclampsia • gestational hypertension • gestational diabetes • low birth weight • adverse effects on neuro-cognitive development of the fetus • low IQ of the offspring

Subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy may also lead to an increased risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, impaired cognitive function of the newborn

Untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to: • miscarriage • premature birth • low birth weight • preeclampsia • thyrotoxic crisis

It can cause various changes in the fetus, such as congenital malformations, delayed intrauterine growth, low birth weight, tachycardia, goiter, fetal death and more.

HOW DOES HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS AFFECT YOUR WEIGHT AND YOUR CHANCES OF CONCEIVING?

EMOTIONS AND STRESS DURING IVF TREATMENT

By the time your doctor recommends in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may have already experienced the years of stress and anxiety that often accompany infertility.

In vitro fertilization can be an emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting experience. In fact, patients rated IVF exposure as more stressful or almost as stressful as any other major life event, including the death of a family member and divorce.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STRESS DURING IN VITRO FERTILIZATION?

Most often, stress and negative emotions are associated with possible side effects of the used medications, as well as the fear of failure. Despite the options for funding of the procedure (by the Center for Assisted Reproduction or municipal funds), paying for your IVF could raise concern.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS DURING IVF

1. Many couples are afraid of the procedure itself (whether there will be pain, potential side effects, success rates, etc.). Use the time you are at your doctor’s office to ask all your questions. We assure you that you will not look stupid. Information from a competent person can greatly prepare you for the upcoming procedures and reduce the fear of the unknown.
2. Talk to couples who have already undergone in vitro fertilization. Of course, remember that each experience is unique and individual.
3. Create a plan with your partner for the future. How many times would you try to get pregnant through assisted reproduction? What would you like to happen to unused eggs or embryos?
4. Simplify your life as much as possible. Do not burden yourself with other important events unless necessary.
5. Make time for sports, hobbies and any other activities that give you happiness.

Emotions and stress are often an inevitable part of in vitro fertilization. They are completely normal and expected, if they do not interfere with other aspects of your daily life. If you feel that your emotional state is deteriorating too rapidly, we advise you to consult a psychologist with experience in couples with reproductive problems.

WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY IN MEN?