Lindsay shares her family's journey from infertility struggles—including repeated negative pregnancy tests—to embracing foster parenting. This time, she opens up about discovering her underactive thyroid and its impact on conception.
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Research shows a strong link between an underactive thyroid—known as hypothyroidism—and fertility challenges. It can make conception harder for women and raise the risk of miscarriage if pregnancy occurs.
I sat in the doctor's waiting room, feigning interest in a book while my nerves frayed. A woman nearby cradled her baby, a stark reminder of why I was there. A year of trying, countless pregnancy and ovulation tests, dietary tweaks, even carrying a moonstone for luck—nothing worked. Finally, I mustered the courage to seek professional help.
Tears flowed as I shared our story; just voicing it brought relief. Routine bloodwork was ordered as a formality before a gynaecologist referral. She expected normal results and promised to call the next day.
The call came, revealing something unexpected: my thyroid was underactive. Common symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, and weight gain matched my experience. "That explains the 30 kg I've gained over a few years," I thought—though those McDonald's runs hadn't helped either.
This could explain our conception struggles. Even if I got pregnant, miscarriage risk was higher. We were advised against trying until medication normalized my thyroid levels. It felt bittersweet—we understood the issue but faced delays.
This revelation prompted us to share our journey more openly, seeking support amid the underactive thyroid hurdle. Most responses were encouraging, but unhelpful comments like "Just relax, it'll happen" stung, implying it was our mindset's fault.
Besides bloodwork, Bert got a jar for a semen sample. Not thrilled, but duty called. Living near the hospital, we delivered it ourselves, keeping it at body temperature—under my armpit, per online tips. Bert drove; I'd hand it off before the crowded elevator. Chaos ensued, but we succeeded, jar intact at the lab.
Now, the agonizing wait for results began. Fears of bad news and escalating to the gynaecologist loomed large.
