Planning a Pregnancy? Don't Overlook Your Thyroid Health

Most women, when they're thinking about getting pregnant, tend to pay attention to their reproductive health, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments. Though these are all key, there is one other significant factor that can be overlooked—the thyroid gland.

Though small, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that influences your health considerably. It makes hormones that control metabolism, energy, body temperature, and a few other important body processes. More importantly, it also has an important role in reproductive health, affecting fertility, conception and the healthy progression of pregnancy.

Thyroid Health is a Critical Factor for Fertility

A healthy thyroid is essential for keeping a delicate hormonal balance that is needed for normal menstruation and ovulation. If the balance of thyroid hormone is disrupted, whether it's too low or too high, your conception can be affected, which makes it harder to conceive.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most prevalent thyroid problems in women, which occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough hormones. Women with an underactive thyroid might have irregular or missed periods, ovulation issues and lower fertility, making it harder for them to conceive. Women with hypothyroidism may have irregular or missed periods, problems with ovulation, or lower fertility, making it more difficult for them to get pregnant.

Hypothyroidism can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can come on slowly and are sometimes confused with stress and the normal events of life.
Common signs include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• A higher cold-tolerance level
• Greater cold tolerance
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair or balding
• Mood changes
• Irregular menstrual cycles

These symptoms are often not severe enough for women to realise they have a thyroid problem for years. For those planning to become pregnant or who have been trying to conceive but have not yet succeeded, a conversation about thyroid health with a healthcare professional may be a crucial part of the fertility experience. For women who may want to conceive or have been trying to conceive without success, it may be a pivotal step in their fertility journey to discuss thyroid health with their healthcare provider.

Thyroid health is also essential during pregnancy.

The function of the thyroid does not stop after the onset of pregnancy. Maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels is crucial during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
Your baby's developing thyroid is almost completely dependent on your thyroid hormones in the early weeks of pregnancy for normal growth and brain development. Untreated thyroid disorders during the time of pregnancy can pose a risk to the mother and the baby, developing some kind of complication. Uncontrolled thyroid disorders may contribute to pregnancy-related complications for the mother and the baby during this period.

Optimal thyroid hormone levels can contribute to a healthy pregnancy and an optimal environment for your baby's early growth. Women with a thyroid disorder or women who are considering becoming pregnant should talk to their health care provider about having thyroid function monitored regularly during normal pregnancy and before becoming pregnant. Women with a thyroid disorder or women who are considering becoming pregnant should discuss the importance of regular thyroid function monitoring during normal pregnancy and before conception with their health care provider.

Should You Get Your Thyroid Checked?

If you have irregular periods, are attempting to become pregnant, or may be experiencing symptoms that could indicate a thyroid imbalance, it might be worthwhile to talk with your doctor about testing your thyroid.

Many thyroid disorders can be diagnosed by taking a simple blood test that evaluates the levels of thyroid hormones. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner treatment may begin, which can enhance overall health, support fertility and help the body be ready for a healthy pregnancy. Timely diagnosis leads to timely treatment, which in turn can help improve health, support fertility and prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy.

The following are some common symptoms that might require additional testing:

• Continued fatigue or weakness
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss.
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Hair thinning or loss of hair
• Mood changes
• Periodic changes in menstrual periods

These symptoms also have several other illnesses, so it is important not to self-diagnose. A health care provider can make these recommendations and help you decide what to do next.

Treatment of Thyroid Disorders before and during Pregnancy

When planning a family, it's even more important to take positive steps in managing your thyroid disorder if you are already diagnosed.

Your thyroid hormone needs may increase during pregnancy, and may need to be monitored and adjusted during this time. Thyroid hormone levels before conception and during pregnancy should be maintained within the recommended range by working closely with your healthcare provider to ensure these levels are kept within that range.

It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider before conception and during pregnancy to ensure that your thyroid hormone levels are within the recommended ranges for your health and your baby's health.

Taking your treatment as directed and following up regularly can help to support a healthy pregnancy.
Some healthy lifestyle habits that promote thyroid and reproductive health:

• Many thyroid conditions can be managed with medications, but healthy lifestyle choices can work alongside treatment.
• Some easy lifestyle changes that could help healthy thyroid and fertility include:
• A well-balanced and nutritious diet.
• Staying physically active
• Relaxation or Mindfulness as a way of coping with stress
• Getting adequate sleep
• Following your doctor's instructions for taking thyroid medicine

These practices do not provide a substitute for any medical therapies, but they do support overall health and can have a beneficial effect on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.

Key Takeaway

Thyroid conditions are quite frequent, especially in women, and may affect fertility and pregnancy. Fortunately, they are sometimes recognised by simple blood tests and are treated effectively with proper medical treatment.

If you are planning to conceive, looking into your thyroid health is essential, and if you are already pregnant, it is important you're mindful of your thyroid health as well. Maintaining an optimised thyroid hormone level can help optimise fertility, pregnancy health, and growth and development of your baby. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and timely intervention can have a positive impact on mother and baby. Early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and timely intervention can make a difference for mother and baby.

Disclaimer

Issued in the public interest by Abbott. This content is based on the scientific references listed below. Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance specific to your health.

Abbott India Limited
16th Floor, Godrej BKC, Plot C-68, 'G' Block, BKC, Near MCA Club, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051.

References

• Poppe K, Velkeniers B, Glinoer D. Thyroid disease and female reproduction. Clinical Endocrinology. 2007;66:309-321.
• Krassas GE, Poppe K, Glinoer D. Thyroid function and human reproductive health. Endocrine Reviews. 2010;31(5):702-755.
• Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Subclinical hypothyroidism in the infertile female population: A guideline. Fertility and Sterility. 2024.
• De Groot L, Abalovich M, Alexander EK, et al. Management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(8):2543-2565.
• Korevaar TIM, Leung AM, Alexander EK, et al. American Thyroid Association 2026 Guidelines for Thyroid Disease in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum. Thyroid. 2026;36(5).

IN-26-5653 | 23 Jul 2026

NOTE: This article is written by Brand Desk.