If I have hypothyroidism, do I need to take care before conceiving?

Q: My thyroid test shows the following: T3 - 114 ng/dl, T4 - 6.13 ug/dl and TSH - 23.2 uIU/mL. I am 28 years old, married. Please explain what does this test mean and what are the precautions to be taken before conceiving?

A:These results are classical of a disease called hypothyroidism. This means that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones and you need supplement in form of Thyroxine tablets. Most common cause of this disease is presence of thyroid antibodies in blood, which can be confirmed by doing Anti-TPO in blood. Hypothyroidism can have impact on fertility. One can have irregular cycles, failure of ovulation and infertility. But best part is that all these problems are reversible and can be reversed with thyroid hormone replacement.