Understanding Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid condition that produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland creates two hormones, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), that control metabolism. The metabolism is the body’s chemical process to convert food into energy. The thyroxine hormone regulates the metabolic rate or speed of the metabolic process. Hyperthyroidism can lead to different medical implications like an irregular heart rhythm, fertility issues, and pregnancy complications.
Thyroid hormones and pregnancy
Thyroid hormones are crucial to the development of the tissues in the placenta, uterus, and ovaries, which are vital to a healthy pregnancy. The ovaries store and release the eggs needed for fertilization, the uterus provides a place for the fetus to grow, and the placenta delivers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. When the body produces too many thyroid hormones, patients can have a miscarriage, preterm delivery, and birth children with cognitive disabilities.
Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism often leads to an irregular menstrual cycle that makes pregnancy difficult. Each month, the ovaries discharge an egg that moves through the fallopian tubes to the uterus to be fertilized. This process is called ovulation and is the basis of pregnancy. Tracking the ovulation process enables patients to become pregnant. When the cycle is disrupted, the patient may not release an egg. Without an egg, fertilization is not possible.
Hyperthyroidism medications and the effect on pregnancy
Some medications used to treat hyperthyroidism can affect pregnancy and the hormones needed to maintain a healthy fetus. However, patients still need to treat the disorder to prevent any hyperthyroidism-related pregnancy complications. To deal with this issue, doctors will prescribe an alternate medication. Furthermore, other hyperthyroidism treatments like radioactive iodine therapy can damage thyroid cells, leading to trouble conceiving and irregular periods.
Treatment solutions for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism
Patients should note that some women can develop hyperthyroidism while pregnant. The hormonal changes women deal with during pregnancy can lead to an enlarged thyroid or imbalanced thyroid hormones. Doctors will prescribe specific anti-thyroid medications to regulate hormones or perform surgery to remove the thyroid during pregnancy. Patients may also receive beta-blockers to fix heart arrhythmias caused by hyperthyroidism. While on these medications, doctors monitor the woman and the fetus to address any complications.
Fertility options for women with hyperthyroidism
Doctors will have to identify and treat the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism to help women with the disease conceive. These treatment options are similar to the ones used during pregnancy. Doctors will prescribe anti-thyroid and beta-blocker medications. Doctors may also perform surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. This surgery is called a thyroidectomy, and patients will have to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for life.
Consult a physician
Women dealing with hyperthyroidism symptoms should notify a doctor immediately. A physician can thoroughly evaluate a patient and determine the cause of these thyroid issues. For example, people with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism, will have to undergo treatment for the disease to address the thyroid problem. Doctors can detect and treat this disease and other conditions that result in hyperthyroidism.
