|
Question: I had thyroid
cancer at 16 and this resulted in complete thyroidectomy and
radioactive iodine treatments. I am and have been taking medication
to replace the hormone since, but have been not very good
at taking it regularly. In fact, only for the past couple
months have I been good about it. Is this the most likely
reason I have not been able to get pregnant? Are the effects
of hypothyroidism permanent? I wrote to my specialist and
he said not to worry. I can't stop though, because after all,
I am not getting pregnant.
Comment: It is very important
for fertility that you keep up on your thyroid medication.
You should have periodic testing of thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH) which is an excellent marker of adequate replacement
therapy. It should be kept in the mid-normal range. Too low,
or too high, and ovulation may become irregular. Too much
thyroid replacement can be more harmful than too little. Many
people with low thyroid hormone levels do not feel well.
BACK
HOME |
