Does female goiter affect fertility?

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nguyen Hung - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Goiter is one of the most common thyroid endocrine disorders in women. When the amount of thyroid hormone increases or decreases, it will affect health and life, in which there is a question that patients are very interested in, which is "Does goiter affect reproduction?

A goiter is a tumor arising from the thyroid gland, also known as a thyroid nodule, including many types such as diffuse or granulomatous thyroid enlargement, benign goiter, Basedow, thyroiditis, cancer... The goiter may or may not be present. changes in thyroid function leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The causes of goiter are many:
Commonly due to iodine deficiency Due to prolonged use of drugs or food Due to congenital or autoimmune disease Especially pregnant and lactating women. Signs of goiter include: Neck swelling, weight loss or gain, insomnia, hand tremors, hair loss, sweating, nervousness... However, these are also symptoms of many diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to visit a doctor to determine the most accurate sign of goiter.
According to statistics, the rate of goiter in women is 5 times higher than in men, especially women aged 36 - 55. Most cases of benign goiter can be treated without surgery.

Many people worry that goiter will affect fertility? Goiter does not cause infertility in women. However, when a woman with goiter has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism has menstrual irregularities, it will affect the ability to get pregnant.
If a woman has a simple goiter, she will have a normal pregnancy without having to worry about herself and her baby. But if a pregnant woman has goiter and has hyperthyroidism, the chances of miscarriage are very high. Babies can be born with hyperthyroidism just like their mothers. In addition, there may be an acute attack of thyrotoxicosis at birth, leading to death of both mother and child. If the mother has hypothyroidism, the baby will have hypothyroidism, retardation, and mental dullness. If you have a goiter with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and the patient is cured, there are no complications, you can still have a normal child. But if you are pregnant during the illness, you need to have regular advice and follow-up from your doctor. Currently, there are antithyroid drugs that are still used for pregnant and lactating patients. It is also recommended that during drug treatment, especially when taking high doses of antithyroid drugs, you should absolutely not become pregnant. Once euthyroidism is established and the dose of antithyroid medication has been reduced to the lowest dose, a woman may become pregnant and should be regularly monitored by her doctor.

Women with goiter can be examined and treated at public and non-public hospitals throughout the country. Vinmec International General Hospital is also a reliable address for you to choose

With a team of leading, experienced and highly specialized doctors, the world's most advanced equipment system and comprehensive professional cooperation with the most prestigious hospitals in Vietnam and other developed countries. Development: Singapore, USA, Japan... Vinmec International General Hospital is the perfect address to help patients feel secure in treatment