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Nuts &dry fruits:

Nuts are rich in selenium,a mineral that reduces chromosomal damage in eggs.It also acts as antioxidant and reduces free radicals and boosts egg production.

Green leafy vegetables:

Leafy vegetables rich in folic acid &vitamin-C which aids in process of ovulation.It reduces the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders. Spinach,broccoli,kale,fenugreek to be included in diet.

Garlic

It contains antioxidant like selenium.It also helps to maintain body estrogen balance, which promotes conception.

Dairy products

These products are rich in calcium,healthy fats and              vitamin-D.Yogurt,butter,full milk is essential in our diet.They nourish the body and helps in conceiving fast.

Berries

Raspberries & blueberries are high in antioxidant.They also have high folate & vitamin-C which can help in foetal development.Berries also helps in weight loss.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Salmon, sardines,mackerel fish are with highest omega-3 levels but with low mercury levels. Twice to thrice servings of fish in a week is recommended.Omega-3 fatty acids help in improving egg quality & embryo quality.

Eggs

Eggs are excellent source of vitamins &omega-3 fatty acids.Consumption of eggs enhances fertility.

Pumpkin seeds&Beans

Pumpkin seeds rich in zinc and promotes blood flow to all reproductive organs.Beans are rich in iron & protein.It helps in production of healthy eggs.

Bananas

They are high in vitamin-B6,potassium,vitamin-C.It improves egg quality & sperm quality.

Prenatal vitamin supplements

COQ 10, a fat soluble nutrient, a form of mitochondrial energizer which improves egg quality.

Good diet and prenatal vitamins help in improving fertility.

Diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is recommended.

Diet should include :

1. Nuts(high in selenium) like:-brazil nuts,cashews,sunflower seeds,pumpkin seeds.
2. Cereals
3. Blueberries &cherries
4. Beans
5. Dairy products like milk ,yogurt,cheese,eggs and vitamin-D supplements to be taken.

Foods to avoid in hypothyroidism:

Avoid soy,broccoli,cabbage and cauliflower as they block thyroid ability to absorb iodine.

1. Avoid coffee
2. Avoid alcohol

Diet for hyperthyroidism:

Avoid seaweed, seafood’s, milk&dairy products , also avoid poultry and high amount of grains and nuts.

Hypothyroidism
It is a condition where TSH levels are high and T3,T4 levels are low.

Symptoms:

1. Fatigue
2. Forgetfulness
3. Dry skin & hair
4. Weight gain
5. Depression
6. Cold sensitivity

Hypothyroidism &it’s effects in pregnancy:-

Maternal effects:

1. Anaemia
2. Preeclampsia
3. Placental abnormalities
4. Low birth weight
5. Pre-term deliveries
6. PPH (post partum haemorrhage
7. Myopathy (muscle pain &weakness)

Foetal effects :

1. Cognitive impairment
2. Developmental abnormalities
3. Neurological abnormalities
4. Congenital hypothyroidism
5. Hyper bilirubinemia
6. Respiratory distress

Medication:

250 mcg of iodine is required in pregnancy.Tab.levothyroxin is the treatment for hypothyroidism. It is recommended to increase the dose of levothyroxin by 30% once pregnancy is confirmed. If hypothyroidism is detected only during pregnancy , levothyroxin can be stopped post delivery and advised to check TSH after 6 weeks post delivery.

Tip for pregnant ladies:

Prenatal vitamins like iron and calcium should not be taken at the same time with levothyroxin and should be taken separately with a gap of at least 4 hrs.

Thyroid problems and its effect on fertility

The prevalence of thyroid disorder is high in 20-45 years age women .Prevalence of auto immunity is seen in patients with PCOS ,women with diminished ovarian reserve and idiopathic infertility.Incidence of overt hypothyroidism is 2-4.5%, hyperthyroidism is 0.5-1% and incidence of thyroid auto immunity is 5-10%.

Thyroid disorders causes irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

Effects of thyroid problems in males:

It decreases mitochondrial activity , increases oxidative stress and causes sperm abnormalities like decreased sperm count , decreased motility and altered morphology of sperms. Hypothyroidism causes ejaculation problems in males.

Hyperthyroidism causes decreased sexual drive , gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation . So in males with erectile and  ejaculation problems should be screened for thyroid disorders.

Effect of thyroid problems In females:

Irregular menstural cycles , an-ovulation ,hyperprolactinemia causing delayed mestural cycles and infertility.

Uncontrolled thyroid can cause effects on both mother and fetus during pregnancy.

Females undergoing IVF treatment should increase the dose of thyroid hormone before treatment due to the increasing demand on thyroid during ovarian stimulation. Uncontrolled thyroid can effect oocyte quality, decreased fertilization rate and altered embryo quality and thus effecting the clinical pregnancy rate.

So thyroid problems can effect both male and female fertility.

It is a condition where TSH levels are low and T3,T4 levels are high.

Symptoms:-

1. Anxiety
2. Irritability
3. Sweating
4. Palpitations
5. Brittle hair
6. Heat intolerance
7. Weight loss

Signs:-

1. Tremors
2. Warm extremities
3. Tachycardia
4. Proptosis
5. Goiter
6. Atrial fibrillation

Hyper thyroidism in pregnancy and its effects on foetus:-

1. IUGR
2. Foetal tachycardia
3. Goiter formation in foetus

Treatment:-

Drugs like propylthiouracil at a dose of 50-150 mg , methimazole at a dose of 5-30 mg/day are used to treat hyperthyroidism. Beta blockers are also used to treat syptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Diet to be followed in hyperthyroidism:-

Avoid sea food , sea weed , milk and dairy products,egg yolk, soya,avoid poultry and high amount of grains.