168: Thyroid, Infertility, and mental Health

We know that our body systems are complicated. There’s no way we can understand everything we need to know to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum, but the more we know how the brain and body work together, the more prepared we can be. Today’s show focuses on the thyroid, the small–but mighty–organ that impacts fertility, loss, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Dr. Hilary Mandzik is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Cary, NC. She also sees clients remotely throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Hilary holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s in Education from Harvard. In addition, she has advanced clinical training in perinatal mental health. Hilary is passionate about supporting parents in their journey from conception and onward. She wants to help parents and children feel connected to each other and live their best lives as individuals and as a family unit. In today’s show, Hilary tells us about how her thyroid condition impacted her fertility journey. We’ll discuss other clinical aspects to consider concerning the thyroid, as well as what you need to know if you’re working toward pregnancy. You’ll learn that many people have thyroid conditions and don’t even know it.

Show Highlights:

Hilary’s personal story of two pregnancies and a missed miscarriage, which clued her in to possible thyroid issues
How Hilary didn’t fit the typical thyroid symptom profile
How Hilary’s midwife discovered her thyroid issues
With research, Hilary discovered that thyroid imbalance is a well-known cause of miscarriage, infertility, anxiety, and depression
Why TSH and other hormone levels should be checked routinely in pregnancy
How Hilary changed doctors five times within the first six weeks of her third pregnancy, refusing to see a doctor who would dismiss her thyroid issues
How pregnancy is a major trigger for autoimmune issues
The big difference between normal and optimal in lab ranges
How Hilary’s experience has changed how she views perinatal mental health
The partnership Hilary feels with functional medicine practitioners
How thyroid conditions are often overlooked
What tests to ask for from your provider
The important role of mental health clinicians to help address health issues and refer clients
Why we should take care not to stereotype people with thyroid issues
Hilary’s advice to those struggling to get pregnant: educate yourself, connect with doctors who listen to you, and advocate for yourself
How the thyroid can impact other systems in the body
How the support of a mental health clinician can help you cope
How Hilary went on to have a healthy pregnancy after finding and treating her thyroid issues