Can You Get Pregnanct with Hashimoto’s? [Hashimoto’s and Pregnancy]

Yes, women with Hashimoto’s disease can get pregnant, but Hashimoto’s pregnancy requires careful medical supervision. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that damages the thyroid gland and often leads to hypothyroidism, which can disrupt ovulation, cause irregular cycles, and lower fertility. However, research shows that with proper treatment, usually thyroid hormone replacement therapy to stabilize TSH levels – women have a good chance of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy.

The key factors are stabilizing hormone levels before conception, continuous monitoring during pregnancy, and following medical advice to reduce risks such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the baby. But is it possible to have a child if there is a hormone disorder? Hashimoto’s and pregnancy has become a topic of controversy among doctors. Is it possible to get pregnant with thyroid issues? What risks should be considered? How do you handle Hashimoto’s and pregnancy? Read all about it in this article!

What Is Standing Behind the Woman’s Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland controls hormone production and regulates metabolism, energy, and many other processes. Its main hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They are vital for the normal functioning of the heart, brain, skin, and muscles, growth, and development. The hormone activity changes at every life period (pregnancy, menopause, or in older age). 

What Are Thyroid Hormones and How Do They Work?

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine determine the metabolic rate and ensure the normal functioning of organs and tissues. Here’s how it functions:

• Thyroxine is the main hormone. It is less active than triiodothyronine. T4 is mainly converted to T3 in various organs, including the liver and kidneys.  
• Triiodothyronine hormone has an impact on heat transfer, energy, heart and nervous system.

There is also TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). It is produced by the pituitary gland and controls the thyroid gland. A high TSH level indicates the organ doesn’t produce enough hormones.

How do Hormones Affect Women?

Hormones control many physiological processes. They include the following.

Metabolism 

If thyroid hormone levels are too low, metabolism slows down. It leads to weight gain, swelling, and general fatigue. If the gland is overactive, the metabolism speeds up. It causes rapid weight loss, even with a normal appetite.

Energy level 

In the case of hypothyroidism, women often feel tired all the time. They suffer from drowsiness, decreased performance, and bad mood. If there are too many hormones, it causes insomnia, nervousness, and a constant feeling of anxiety. 

Skin, hair, and nails

Insufficiency of thyroid hormones leads to dry skin, hair loss, and nail deterioration. Meanwhile, an excessive amount of hormones causes excessive sweating, oily skin, and even acne.

Reproductive function

Thyroid hormones affect the menstrual cycle and fertility. Hormone deficiency causes menstrual irregularities. It can also cause infertility. The hormonal balance directly affects ovulation and the ability to get pregnant.

Pregnancy 

The need for thyroid hormones is increasing as they serve the fetus’s normal growth, including brain formation. Thyroid dysfunction causes preterm birth, gestosis, or an increased risk of the developing child’s mental and physical issues. 

What is the Cause of Hormone Instability?

Thyroid dysfunction occurs for various reasons. Two of the most common are Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s). Other factors include stress, poor nutrition (especially iodine deficiency), infections, genetic predisposition, or even age-related problems.

The thyroid gland is a very sensitive organ, and even minor disorders of its functioning have a major impact on a woman’s well-being. Regular check-ups and monitoring of hormone levels contribute to maintaining health at any age.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

This is a disease in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the thyroid gland. Due to Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system mistakenly recognizes the thyroid as a foreign body and triggers an autoimmune reaction against it. 

The disease develops gradually. At first, it may not cause obvious symptoms, and a person doesn’t suspect that something is wrong. Over time, the gland gradually loses its ability to produce enough hormones. It leads to hypothyroidism.  

Researchers show that Hashimoto’s affects mostly middle-aged women. The causes are not fully understood, but genetic predisposition, stress, and immune system disorders may contribute to it. Although Hashimoto’s usually develops slowly, it can result in serious problems if left untreated. The most common are cardiovascular disease or infertility. 

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include:

• Fatigue, weakness, depression – due to slowed metabolism.
• Weight gain without obvious changes in diet or physical activity.
• Dry skin and hair loss.
• Irregular menstruation or even its absence.
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) – in some cases, Hashimoto’s disease may cause the thyroid gland to enlarge. It is clearly visible when palpating the neck.

To determine the condition, blood tests are usually used to measure the antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and thyroid hormone levels. Treatment includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels and maintain the patient’s health.

Hashimoto’s and Pregnancy Planning: What Should You Pay Attention to?

Thyroid hormones have a direct impact on the ability to get pregnant. Insufficient levels of thyroid hormones impair ovulation, which complicates the conception process. Studies show that even a slight imbalance of thyroid hormones affects fertility, reducing the pregnancy chance.

Despite all the possible difficulties, women with Hashimoto’s disease can become pregnant with proper treatment and thyroid control. Here are some key steps that can help.

Treatment and stabilization of hormones 

The first and most important thing is to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. If you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, your doctor will usually prescribe replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormones. It normalizes the thyroid hormone levels. After that, the level of TSH should be within the normal range (1 to 2 μIU/ml).

The hormone levels should be stable for at least 3-6 months before conception. This will ensure healthy ovulation and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Regular monitoring 

During treatment, you should regularly check TSH, T3, and T4 levels to control the medication dose and avoid excessive or insufficient hormones. Hyperthyroidism also makes it difficult to conceive and leads to problems during pregnancy.

Reduce stress

Stress negatively affects hormonal balance, so find ways to relax and restore emotional balance. Meditation, yoga, outdoor walks, and adequate sleep help lower stress levels and normalize thyroid function.

Consultation with an endocrinologist and gynecologist

Doctors will help not only stabilize hormonal levels but also control other aspects of health that affect conception and the pregnancy course.

How to Have the Perfect Pregnancy with Hashimoto’s?

Pregnancy with such a complex diagnosis requires special attention and care. We assure you that our tips will help you organize life properly and experience the happiness of pregnancy forgetting about your challenges. 

Listen to your body – don’t ignore the symptoms

Pay attention to any changes in your health. If you feel more tired than usual, or if you experience signs of depression, mood swings, or memory problems, it could be a signal of changes in your thyroid function. Pregnancy itself is a great stress for the body, and it is important to respond to new symptoms in time. If you feel you can’t cope with the symptoms, consult a doctor, even if it seems insignificant. Your doctor can adjust the dose of hormones after the tests, which in turn will improve your condition.

It is crucial to actively cooperate with doctors throughout the pregnancy. Pregnancy requires constant correction of treatment, so it is better to be in constant contact with an endocrinologist and obstetrician-gynecologist.

Be careful about nutrition

Proper nutrition and drinking is a vital part of health during pregnancy. With Hashimoto’s, it is important to monitor iodine, and provide the body with all the necessary trace elements. For example, iron and selenium can help support thyroid function. Recommended to eat:

• Iodine-rich foods – Salmon, tuna, cod, shrimp, squid, iodized salt, seaweed, nori, kelp, kombu are all great sources of iodine. Choose seafood with low levels of mercury. Avoid fish such as shark or swordfish to reduce the risk to fetal health.
• Selenium-rich foods  – These are Brazil nuts, mushrooms, champignons, shiitake, chicken, turkey, beef, and sardines. But don’t overdo it with Brazil nuts, as they contain a very high concentration of selenium. 1-2 nuts a day is enough to maintain the optimal level.
• Iron-rich foods – These are beef, lamb, pork, liver, black peas, beans, lentils, spinach, arugula, and chard. For better iron absorption, it is worth combining these foods with goods rich in vitamin C (tomatoes, citrus fruits, peppers).
• Vitamin D-rich foods – These are mackerel, herring, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods – These are flaxseed and oil, walnuts, chia seeds. Fish oils are especially useful for pregnant women because they contain DHA and EPA, which support the brain and visual functions of the fetus.
• Antioxidant-rich foods – These are raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. To maximize the antioxidant benefits, add fresh berries and vegetables to your diet as part of every meal.
• Vitamin B-rich foods – These are oats, quinoa, buckwheat, turkey, liver, broccoli, and avocado.

Special attention to rest and sleep

Pregnancy is very exhausting, and in combination with Hashimoto’s disease, it causes you to feel even more tired. Therefore, getting enough rest is vital. Try to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night, and don’t forget to take short daytime breaks. It allows the body to recover and maintain the hormone balance. 

Stay active, but be careful

Physical activity is vital, but excessive exercise is harmful, especially in case of thyroid dysfunction. Moderate activity, such as walking, swimming, or light exercises for pregnant women, helps to improve blood circulation. This has a positive effect on the body’s overall health. 

What are the Risks for Hashimoto’s and Pregnancy?

Risks for Mother

• Increased cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism disorders;
• Possible development of arrhythmias and hypertension;
• Increased risk of early miscarriage;
• Complications during labor, late placental abruption.

Risks for Baby

• Delayed fetal development;
• Retardation in the nervous system development (in the absence of hypothyroidism treatment);
• Delayed mental development;
• High risk of premature birth and stillbirth.

Early detection of any issues with thyroid hormones significantly reduces the health threats to the mother and baby. During pregnancy, it is essential to undergo regular medical examinations, including thyroid hormone tests, to adjust treatment in time and prevent serious complications.

To Summarize

Hashimoto’s disease affects fertility and pregnancy. However, it is quite possible to get pregnant with a diagnosis. Although it may require some attention. With proper treatment and regular monitoring, the pregnancy will proceed without complications. Just adjust hormone levels in time, monitor your health, and follow the doctor’s recommendations. Proper nutrition, lack of stress, and moderate physical activity are also important for supporting normal fetal development. If you take good care of your health, a pregnancy with Hashimoto’s is quite realistic and successful. So, check your hormone levels, follow the doctor’s advice, read our useful tips, and enjoy your pregnancy!