Infertility and Thyroid Disorders

In our practice, we meet women everyday that are in active pursuit of fertility. Many of them have spent money on IVF or IUI, some may be just beginning their journey.

I have seen firsthand how thyroid disorders often affect fertility. Often, conventional interpretation of thyroid labs is missing the mark when it comes to diagnosing thyroid disorders.

Endocrinologists are now agreeing. Experts in Endocrinology have revised their 2007 Practice Guidelines, to include more aggressive treatment of thyroid disorders and prevention of these issues.

The recommendations include:

1. More aggressive interpretation of serum T4 levels.
2. Breastfeeding women should supplement 250 ug of iodine daily.
3. Prenatal vitamins should contain iodine. (200 ug as potassium iodide)
4. Nodules in the range of 5mm-1cm should undergo fine needle aspiration.

I believe all women should be routinely screened for thyroid disorders, especially if they are trying to get pregnant. A comprehensive thyroid panel, including T3 and T4, as well as RT3 is critical.

It is interesting to see the need for iodine supplementation recognized. Much of the iodine deficiency we currently face is the result of overexposure to bromides, a chemical used in our country to process grain.

Lets stop the infertility epidemic- watch your thyroid at any age and stay away from processed foods filled with toxins. Gluten should be lowered as women attempt to get pregnant, since gluten consumption may be linked to iodine deficiency.

Let us know what your experience has been with thyroid disorders and infertility.