Hashimoto's Disease and Its Impact on Fertility: The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

So, you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease?  You finally have an answer as to why you have been feeling so run-down lately, which is great because you have a plan of action to feel better.  But, you want to have a baby, and are worried how Hashimoto’s Disease will impact on your fertility.  I will delve into Hashimoto’s Disease and explain what it is, how it impacts fertility, and what I as a Doctor of Acupuncture and TCM can do to help you.

 Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, can significantly influence various aspects of health, including fertility. Understanding how this disease interacts with reproductive health is crucial for those trying to conceive.  I am here to help you, and I will explain how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holistic approaches can help improve fertility outcomes for individuals with Hashimoto's.

Hashimoto's Disease and Fertility

Hashimoto's disease is characterised by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. This condition can disrupt hormonal balance, which is vital for ovulation and overall reproductive function. Here are some ways Hashimoto's can impact fertility:

1.     Hormonal Imbalance: Thyroid hormones are crucial for regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation. Low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to irregular periods and anovulation, making it challenging to conceive (Stagnaro-Green et al., 2011).

2.     Increased Risk of Miscarriage: Studies suggest that women with untreated hypothyroidism may have a higher risk of miscarriage due to inadequate hormone levels necessary for maintaining a pregnancy (García et al., 2019).  However, this does not mean you will have a miscarriage just because your hormonal levels are low; but it is better to address the issue to minimise the risk.

3.     Impact on Ovarian Function: Thyroid hormones influence ovarian function and egg quality. Poor thyroid function can lead to reduced egg quality, further complicating conception (Poppe et al., 2016).  This can happen over a period time, as there is not enough hormone for the follicle to transform into an egg.

4.     Immune System Factors: As an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's can affect immune responses, potentially leading to conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, which can also hinder fertility (Bunevicius et al., 2018).

The Role of TCM in Managing Hashimoto's and Enhancing Fertility

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to managing health issues, including those related to fertility. TCM focuses on restoring balance within the body and addressing underlying issues. Here are several ways TCM can support individuals with Hashimoto's disease in their fertility journey:

1.     Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress (Cohen et al., 2016). Studies indicate that acupuncture can enhance ovarian function and improve the chances of conception, especially in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (Smith et al., 2011). 

2.     Herbal Medicine: TCM utilises various herbs to support thyroid function and to balance hormones. Formulations like Shen Qi Wan and Gui Pi Tang (to mention just a couple of many) may help regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, and enhance overall reproductive health (Li et al., 2020). You will have a full health review and have a formulations customised to your presenting conditions.

3.     Dietary Therapy: TCM emphasises the importance of a balanced diet tailored to individual needs. Foods that nourish the kidney and regulate digestion are often recommended to support thyroid health and improve fertility. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc is vital (Liu et al., 2018).

4.     Lifestyle Modifications: TCM practitioners often provide guidance on lifestyle changes, including stress management techniques, exercise, and sleep hygiene. Reducing stress is a very important aspect for managing Hashimoto's and enhancing fertility, as stress can negatively impact hormonal balance (Zhang et al., 2019).

5.     Holistic Assessment: TCM considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive approach allows practitioners to identify specific imbalances and tailor treatments accordingly, addressing not just physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological factors (Wang et al., 2021).

6.     Mind-Body Connection: TCM places significant emphasis on the mind-body connection. Practices such as qigong and meditation can improve emotional well-being and reduce anxiety, which is beneficial for those dealing with infertility (Wang et al., 2018).

As at Doctor of Acupuncture and TCM I am here to help guide you as you navigate fertility challenges related to Hashimoto's disease; because understanding the interplay between thyroid health and reproductive function is difficult.  Hashimoto’s Disease is challenging, but Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a range of supportive therapies that can help restore balance and improve fertility outcomes. If you're navigating this journey, consider booking a consultation with me to explore how these ancient practices can complement your fertility efforts. Understanding the science and embracing a holistic approach may provide you both the physical support and also emotional resilience during this challenging time.

Call Dr Luke McPherson (TCM) for a Consultation today!

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References

1. Bunevicius, R., Kazlauskas, D., & Prange, A. J. (2018). The effects of autoimmune thyroid disease on reproductive health. Thyroid Research, 11(1), 9-15.

2. Cohen, M., Kogan, M., & Brill, M. (2016). The role of acupuncture in reproductive health. Fertility and Sterility, 106(6), 1423-1430.

3. García, A., Iñiguez, G., & Gómez, E. (2019). Maternal thyroid function and risk of miscarriage: A systematic review. European Journal of Endocrinology, 180(3), 163-173.

4. Li, X., Yang, Y., & Wang, W. (2020). Herbal medicine for hypothyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 262, 113161.

5. Liu, H., Hu, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2018). Nutritional therapy in autoimmune thyroid disease: An overview. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(4), 1394-1401.

6. Poppe, K., Glinoer, D., & Bilir, A. (2016). Thyroid disease and female reproduction. Clinical Endocrinology, 84(1), 1-12.

7. Smith, C. A., Coyle, M., & Normand, C. (2011). Acupuncture for female infertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD007489.

8. Stagnaro-Green, A., Abalovich, M., & Alexander, E. K. (2011). Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Thyroid, 21(10), 1081-1125.

9. Wang, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhang, L. (2021). Integrative approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine in the treatment of infertility: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, 102708.

10. Wang, Y., Zhang, X., & Zhang, L. (2018). The effects of qigong on psychological well-being: A systematic review. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 23(1), 87-97.

11. Zhang, R., Wu, J., & Zhao, Q. (2019). The relationship between stress and thyroid autoimmunity: A review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 10, 123.

Hashimoto's disease and fertiltiy