How does the health of your thyroid impact your fertility?
The thyroid gland is a key part of the endocrine system in the body. The endocrine system includes various glands that release and regulate hormones for various purposes in our bodies. We rely on the endocrine system for hormonal regulation and shifts, of which a key factor is the menstrual cycle. Therefore, when we discuss the menstrual cycle, we are in fact discussing facets of hormones and the endocrine system itself.
Because the thyroid is an intrinsic piece of the endocrine system, it makes sense that when it is not performing optimally, we can have issues with our menstrual cycle. In fact, the menstrual cycle has often been termed the sixth vital sign because of how much information it can provide on the overall health of our bodies.
The thyroid health can impact fertility and the menstrual cycle in the following ways:
Anovulation- meaning no egg is released. If you are trying to conceive, it is essential to ensure you are actually ovulating. If there is no egg, sperm will have no where to go and there is nothing to fertilize.
Short luteal phases- The luteal phase is the second half of the cycle and is defined between ovulation and the first day of bleeding of the next cycle. Ideally, luteal phases should be at least 10 days long. This is just enough time for fertilization to occur and have the fertilized egg implant into the endometrial lining. If the egg is fertilized, but the lining sheds before it can implant, then the egg has nowhere to grow and develop. It will also be expelled with the menstrual cycle.
Prolonged or less-fertile quality cervical fluid- Fertile cervical fluid is essential to becoming pregnant. Without fertile cervical fluid, the pH of the vagina is not conducive to sperm. In order for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg, you need to have fertile cervical mucus.
Long or irregular cycles- long or irregular cycles can indicate a significant difference in ovulation timing. Ovulation days can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, but wide variety can indicate something deeper going on. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, we would say there is trouble converting Yin to Yang.
Heavy, prolonged, or painful menses- thyroid health can be at the root of these experiences. Ideally our periods are relatively painless, moderate in days (3-4 days) and amounts (not excessively or barely bleeding).
I also really encourage my patients to look at their menstrual cycle in full detail regardless if they are trying to conceive or not! Reproductive health does not mean you need to reproduce! It can incredibly rewarding to track your cycle and empower yourself with knowledge around the menstrual cycle itself.
Often times I recommend that my patients chart their BBT (with hypothyroidism you can often hover around 96 degrees Fahrenheit), check for fertile cervical mucus (it should be a raw egg white quality for at least 1-2 days), time the follicular and luteal phases timelines (before and after ovulation), and note how many days they bleed for and if there was any symptoms leading up to or during the cycle.
The health of the thyroid can be such an important factor in fertility and can be supported through acupuncture.
Thinking about trying to become pregnant? Worried about your thyroid health? Interested in learning more about your personal menstrual cycle? Connect with me and schedule an appointment with me by clicking here.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All information, content and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
