Table of contents:
- Thyroid disorders can make it difficult for women to get pregnant
- The importance of thyroid screening before planning a pregnancy
- Various options for the treatment of thyroid disease
- 1. Giving anti-thyroid drugs (thyrostatics)
- 2. Radioactive iodine ablation therapy
- 3.Operating procedure (thyroidectomy)
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower neck. Its function is to produce hormones that support various vital functions of the body, especially the heart, brain, muscles and skin. The hormone produced regulates how the body's cells use energy from food or metabolic processes. Thyroid disease occurs when the work of the thyroid gland is impaired, either it becomes underactive (hypothyroid) or overactive (hyperthyroid).
Thyroid disorders should not be ignored. Especially if you are planning to have a baby. Why is that? Check out the explanation in this article.
Thyroid disorders can make it difficult for women to get pregnant
The thyroid produces hormones that play an important role in growth and development. According to British researchers, changes in thyroid function can have a major effect on reproductive function before, during and after conception.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, the two most common types of thyroid disease, have long been associated with irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. In children and adolescent girls, hypothyroidism is associated with late puberty.
Reporting from WebMD, a study published in The Obstetrician and Gynecologist found that 2.3 percent of women who have fertility problems already have thyroid disease, compared to 1.5 percent in the general population. This condition is also associated with irregular menstrual cycles.
According to the researchers, thyroid disease can have a detrimental impact on women's reproductive health, ultimately increasing a variety of problems during pregnancy, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, preterm birth, and stillbirth. (stillbirth).
The importance of thyroid screening before planning a pregnancy
Seeing the significant role the thyroid gland plays in pregnancy success, experts suggest that women who are planning a pregnancy, have difficulty getting pregnant, and / or have recurrent miscarriages should schedule a check-up to their doctor. The goal is to see whether there is a thyroid disease that might be the mastermind behind the condition.
The earlier you do thyroid screening, the better your chances of getting pregnant, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and improve the health of the baby while in the womb.
Various options for the treatment of thyroid disease
After the doctor diagnoses and finds out what type of thyroid disease you have, the doctor can begin planning treatment according to your condition. Thyroid disease treatment can be classified into 3 forms, namely:
1. Giving anti-thyroid drugs (thyrostatics)
This drug serves to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis and suppress autoimmune processes. Examples of anti-thyroid drugs that are often prescribed by doctors are propyltiouracil (PTU), metimazole, and carbimazole.
2. Radioactive iodine ablation therapy
Radioiodine in small doses can damage the thyroid gland and improve symptoms of thyroid disease, particularly hyperthyroidism. This treatment is carried out if the thyroid disease is difficult to control with just medication. Unfortunately, this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, or those planning a pregnancy in the next 6 months.
3.Operating procedure (thyroidectomy)
The surgical procedure is performed when the thyroid disease is already in a severe stage and the patient does not get better just by being given anti-thyroid drugs. In addition, this procedure is also often performed on pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or people with unstable heart disease.
Always consult a doctor first before you start treating thyroid disease.
