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Under Active Thyroid Associated with Miscarriages and Infertility

March 25, 2009 - 1:01pm 1465 reads

Normal thyroid function is important to women at all stages of life, but a healthy thyroid is especially key for women wanting to become pregnant. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), thyroid problems can lead to infertility, complications during pregnancy and affect a newborn’s neurological development.

Studies show that under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, maternal high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious condition that develops during the last trimester of pregnancy.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the lower neck just above the collarbones. It secretes hormones that control general metabolism and influences a wide range of other biological functions including body temperature, blood calcium, weight loss, and menstrual periods.

“When a woman is unable to have a baby, a thyroid gland disorder may be to blame,” states Roland, Gaertner, a medical doctor and professor at Munich University. He suggests that women with fertility issues should have their thyroid and thyroid hormone levels evaluated.

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