QuestionHow does thyroid cancer affect the thyroid's function and therefore my ability to conceive and stay pregnant?
I have had 3 children, no problem conceiving, after age 40. At age 47, I have recently had 2 m/c both with a heartbeat, 9 and 11 weeks, and there is a concern now about thyroid cancer, due to family history and suspicious nodules.
Post m/c ultrasound showed 18mm follicles ready to erupt, so I am still ovulating(miscarriage completed two days after that u/s, so no conception)
My question:
Can I get pregnant with thyroid cancer, or does the cancer too severely compromise the body's ability to conceive and bear a child?
If it is cancer, can I have the thyroid out and wait for the radioactive iodine until after trying to get pregnant for awhile? Or will this surgery and subsequent medication likely throw me into menopause?
I am deeply grieved over this loss, even though grateful to have the children I do. I so wish to try for one more baby.
Thank you for your help.
AnswerHello Milli from the U.S.,
Thyroid cancer itself should not affect your fertility, if in fact you are still fertile at 47 years old. Even if the thyroid were removed, the hormone can be replaced so the ovaries would not see any difference. Radioactive iodine usually is specific to the thyroid and radiation therapy will be directed specifically to the next so the pelvis is not affected. If for some reason you have to have a generalized chemotherapy i.e. an intravenous drug that affects all growing cells, then this can have a detrimental affect on her fertility by destroying the eggs within the ovaries. It will not shut down the ovaries, however, and put you into menopause. Based on your age, menopause may just be around the corner anyway. Since I am not an expert in oncology (cancer specialist), I cannot speak specifically to the treatment you will receive.
Keep in mind that although you have been very fertile at a later than average age, the risks of miscarriage increase with age due to decreasing egg quality. This leads to spontaneous chromosomal breakage and abnormal embryos that "die" because of genetic defects or anatomical defects.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf
