Autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and fertility
A fairly frequent pathology in the population, mainly female, which can hinder conception and compromise the good development of a pregnancy is hypothyroidism, especially of the autoimmune type.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that slows down the functioning of the thyroid gland due to a low presence of thyroid hormones.
Specifically, in autoimmune hypothyroidism (known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis ) the body produces antibodies to attack and damage the thyroid itself.
The diagnosis is made after a blood sample and a dosage of specific antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin and anti-peroxidase, in addition to the normal thyroid hormones, tsh, ft3 and ft4.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism can also be subclinical , i.e. no substantial alterations of specific hormones are detected, so without a dosage of antibodies it could also go unnoticed and not be diagnosed in time.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism and fertility
The presence of an autoimmune pathology generates a systemic inflammatory state , for which fertility can be compromised and conception difficult to obtain.
Furthermore, in pregnancy the functioning of the thyroid undergoes physiological alterations: in the first trimester a lowering of the tsh is generally observed due essentially to a sort of interference with the beta HCG which has part of the structure similar to that of the tsh. Furthermore, until the baby’s thyroid is fully formed and functioning, the mother’s thyroid will have to work for two, but this does not make her less efficient or more tired, as we said are physiological processes.
However, this implies that any problems in the functioning of the maternal thyroid can affect the development of the child, so hypothyroidism can cause poor growth, low birth weight, preterm birth or even miscarriages.
The best strategy is to carry out a thyroid function screening when you decide to have a baby, in order to intervene in time in case it should be needed.
Naturally, the doctor will prescribe a drug therapy, but a lot can be done with nutrition too. The way we eat can essentially serve two purposes:
- Optimize the effectiveness of the therapy, improving the functioning of the drugs and limiting any side effects.
- Improve symptoms.
The importance of nutrition in autoimmune hypothyroidism
In these cases it is advisable to eliminate the so-called “pro-inflammatory” elements from your diet , such as flours and cereals containing gluten, dairy products, legumes, sugars (except those from fruit) and NO SOY (it contains phytoestrogens that interfere with thyroid hormones) . It’s true, there are many foods, but on the market, but especially in nature, there are many valid and tasty alternatives.
Among the carbohydrates we have naturally gluten-free cereals, rice in all its forms (of which the best are basmati and wholemeal), quinoa , amaranth, oats. Wheat flours can be replaced with rice, almond, chestnut, coconut, etc. flours.
The contribution of omega 3 is important , which can be found in dried fruit, extra virgin olive oil, oily fish, as well as selenium, which is also contained in fish, dried fruit, cereals.
Also pay attention to the products you use at home, mainly plastics, soaps and detergents and pots and pans, which could release endocrine disruptors.
It is strongly discouraged to use plastic dishes and containers that do not have the explicit indication of the absence of bisphenol – A (BPA). Better to choose the white glass or ceramic variants.
Beware of scratched or damaged pots and pans, they need to be replaced. Among soaps, detergents and cosmetics, it is better to focus on those that do not contain parabens and petroleum derivatives, even better if organic.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.