Thyroid Disorders and Women’s Reproductive Health: An Integrated Modern and Ayurvedic Perspective
Abstract
Thyroid disorders are common endocrine problems in women of reproductive age, affecting menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes postpartum health[1] through the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis[2]. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism, and pregnancy increases thyroid demand due to rising thyroxine-binding globulin, human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, and greater iodine requirement.[3]Hypothyroidism affects more pregnant women worldwide, with an even higher burden in India.[4]Screening relies on trimester-specific TSH, confirmatory free T4/T3, and anti-TPO/TRAb testing in high-risk women, though FOGSI,[5]ATA[6], ACOG,[7] and FIGO[8] differ on universal versus targeted screening. Untreated dysfunction raises the risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, growth restriction, and preterm birth, while gynaecologically it underlies menorrhagia, amenorrhea, PCOS-like features, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Careful history-taking, clinical examination, and thyroid function testing help avoid missed or delayed diagnosis, since fatigue, weight change, and mood symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. Postpartum thyroiditis is often mistaken for postpartum depression, making routine postpartum testing important. Ayurveda evaluates these disorders through Roga-Rogi Pariksha and assessment of Dosha, Dhatu, and Agni, linking hypothyroidism with Kapha-Vata vitiation and hyperthyroidism with Pitta-Vata vitiation. Management includes Agni-deepana and Kapha-hara formulations such as Kanchanara Guggulu and Trikatu Churna for hypothyroidism, and Pitta-hara formulations such as Shatavari Ghrita for hyperthyroidism, supported by Yogasana and Shodhana therapies such as Virechana and Basti. Combining modern biochemical screening with Ayurvedic constitutional assessment may help achieve earlier diagnosis, individualised treatment, and better reproductive and pregnancy outcomes for women.