Pregnancy and child birth
The thyroid gland affects every organ system in
the body, including the reproductive system. Hypothyroidism can affect
women of childbearing age in several ways.
Hypothyroidism can cause your menstrual flow to be heavier and last
longer than in the past. Your periods may also become more frequent
than the normal 28-day cycle.
If you are hypothyroid, your ovaries may not release eggs. Women with
hypothyroidism often find it harder to become pregnant, or support a
pregnancy.
Pregnant women are at a greater risk for developing hypothyroidism
than people in general. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can
cause problems for you or your unborn baby. Hypothyroidism that is not
treated properly can have adverse effects on fetal and childhood development.
New mothers have a 5 percent chance of developing a thyroid
disorder within the first months after delivery.
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