Hashimoto’s, miscarriage, and fertility: My personal story of listening to my body

I thought I would experience the road to pregnancy the way I had experienced almost everything else I had gone after in life. I would decide I wanted to have a baby, do all the “right things,” follow the plan, and eventually reach the goal.

Spoiler alert, that is not how it happened.

I am your classic type A personality. I spent 20 years in a high powered corporate role, I valued hard work and healthy competition, I was methodically organized and goal oriented, and I genuinely believed I thrived under pressure. Because I worked in wellness, exercised regularly, and thought of myself as someone who lived a healthy lifestyle, I never connected the pace of my career with the possibility that my body might be quietly asking for more support.

When I had my first miscarriage, I was devastated. This was not in my plan, and because I had spent so much of my life believing that effort always led to outcomes, I immediately became information obsessed and started searching for answers.

My OB-GYN did not give me much to work with. I was told to keep trying and that “it just happens,” which may have been medically common, but emotionally it left me feeling alone, confused, and desperate to understand whether my body was trying to tell me something.

About a week later, I was at my best friend’s house meeting her new baby when I told her about the miscarriage. We started talking about people we knew who had gone through something similar, what they had tried, and what they had done differently, and then she asked me a question that changed everything for me.

“Have you ever checked your thyroid?”

To be fair, at the time I barely knew what my thyroid was or what it did. I remember feeling like the floor dropped out from under me, because in that vulnerable moment, my mind immediately went to self blame. Had I missed something? Had I done something wrong? Was this my fault?

It was not my fault, and if you are reading this after loss, I want you to hear that clearly too.

I booked an appointment with an endocrinologist right away, and waiting for that appointment felt like waiting a year. When my blood test results came back, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid.

It turned out that my body had been sending me signals for years, but I had been explaining them away as stress, ambition, aging, busyness, or just “normal life.”

What is Hashimoto’s disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system creates antibodies that target the thyroid gland, which can eventually affect the thyroid’s ability to make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid plays an important role in metabolism, energy, temperature regulation, menstrual health, ovulation, and pregnancy support, which is why thyroid health can matter so much during the preconception window.

I was shocked and scared by the diagnosis, and as someone who liked to move quickly from problem to solution, it was hard to accept that this was not something I could simply fix overnight. The more I learned, the more I realized I had been living with many of the common symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, including fatigue, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, hair changes, and a general feeling that my body was not functioning the way it used to.

I also learned that untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with increased risks, including miscarriage, and that some risks may be higher in women with thyroid peroxidase antibodies, often called TPO antibodies.

That information did not mean I had caused my miscarriage, and it did not mean that Hashimoto’s would define my fertility story, but it did help me understand that my thyroid was a meaningful piece of the larger picture.

How Hashimoto’s can affect fertility

Hashimoto’s can affect fertility when thyroid hormone levels become imbalanced, because thyroid hormones help regulate ovulation, menstrual cycle patterns, metabolism, and the hormonal environment that supports early pregnancy. Thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism have also been studied in relation to miscarriage and pregnancy outcomes, which is why many women who are trying to conceive choose to ask their provider about a full thyroid evaluation.

At WeNatal, we often talk about fertility as a whole body state rather than a single hormone, a single cycle, or a single positive pregnancy test. My experience with Hashimoto’s made that idea deeply personal, because I realized that my reproductive health was connected to my immune system, stress response, nutrient status, sleep, gut health, and the way I had been asking my body to perform for years without truly listening to it.

Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s can be subtle at first, and many of them are easy to normalize, especially for women who are used to pushing through exhaustion or living in a constant state of stress.

Common symptoms can include:

• Fatigue or sluggishness
• Feeling cold more easily than others
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Constipation or digestive sluggishness
• Weight changes
• Joint pain, stiffness, or muscle aches
• Depressed mood or anxiety
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Irregular, heavy, or changing menstrual cycles
• Fertility challenges or difficulty conceiving

Not everyone experiences Hashimoto’s the same way, and symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which is why testing and individualized medical care are so important.

What I did after my Hashimoto’s diagnosis

After I had time to process the diagnosis, and after moving through the very real feelings of grief, fear, and lack of control, I eventually went into action mode. I started thyroid medication under the care of my doctor, and I also booked an appointment with a functional medicine practitioner because I wanted to understand what else might be contributing to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fertility stress in my body.

I did not want to only suppress symptoms or wait passively. I wanted to support my body from the inside out.

Under medical guidance, I began looking at my nutrition, stress, sleep, environment, and daily rhythms in a new way. I changed my diet to be gluten-free and dairy-free, reduced inflammatory and highly processed foods, and became more intentional about added sugars and refined grains. I also learned more about common Hashimoto’s triggers, including chronic stress, poor sleep, nutrient depletion, and environmental exposures, and I started to take those signals seriously instead of treating them like inconveniences.

About six months after making changes to my medical care, nutrition, and lifestyle, I got pregnant with my daughter Dalia, and later went on to have my daughter Davina.

That timeline is my story, not a promise or a protocol, but it is the reason I believe so deeply in looking at fertility through a wider lens.

Natural ways to support Hashimoto’s alongside medical care

Lifestyle strategies can be supportive for some people with Hashimoto’s, but they should complement medical care rather than replace the need for medication, thyroid monitoring, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

1. Support a nutrient dense, anti inflammatory diet

Some people with Hashimoto’s explore a gluten-free approach, especially when there is suspected sensitivity or celiac disease, although this should be personalized with a practitioner. Many people also focus on whole foods, adequate protein, colorful plants, mineral rich foods, and a reduction in ultra processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains.

Selenium rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, and certain meats, may help support thyroid related antioxidant pathways, although supplementation should be discussed with a provider because more is not always better.

2. Prioritize stress resilience

Stress was one of the hardest pieces for me to face, because I had built so much of my identity around performing well under pressure. Supporting my nervous system became part of supporting my fertility, and that included mindfulness, breathwork, slower mornings, more boundaries, and learning how to create moments where my body actually felt safe.

3. Optimize sleep and recovery

Sleep is one of the most underrated fertility and hormone tools, especially for women who are trying to conceive while managing a full life. A consistent bedtime, morning light exposure, less nighttime scrolling, and a realistic wind down routine can all support the body’s daily hormone rhythm.

4. Check key nutrient levels

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population and may be relevant for people with autoimmune conditions, which is why many practitioners assess vitamin D status as part of a broader thyroid and fertility workup. Iron, ferritin, B12, zinc, selenium, iodine status, and other nutrients may also matter, but testing is important because both deficiencies and excesses can create problems.

5. Support gut health

Because the immune system and gut are deeply connected, many functional practitioners look at digestion, regular bowel movements, food tolerance, microbial balance, and inflammation when supporting Hashimoto’s. This may include fiber rich foods, fermented foods if tolerated, probiotics when appropriate, and identifying foods that seem to trigger symptoms.

6. Choose movement that supports your season

Exercise is important, but my body did not need more intensity for the sake of intensity. It needed strength, circulation, muscle support, and recovery, which meant I had to rethink the idea that harder was always better. For many women, a combination of walking, strength training, mobility, and restorative movement can be more supportive than constantly pushing through high stress workouts.

7. Reduce everyday toxic exposures

This does not have to become overwhelming or fear based. Small swaps can make a difference over time, such as filtering drinking water, avoiding heating food in plastic, choosing lower toxin personal care and cleaning products when possible, and creating a home environment that supports hormone health without requiring perfection.

What to ask your doctor if you are trying to conceive

If you have experienced miscarriage, irregular cycles, fertility challenges, or symptoms that sound like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, it may be worth asking your provider whether a more complete thyroid evaluation makes sense for you.

Helpful labs to discuss may include:

• TSH
• Free T4
• Free T3
• TPO antibodies
• Thyroglobulin antibodies
• Vitamin D
• Ferritin and iron markers
• B12
• A broader fertility or hormone panel when appropriate

This is not about becoming your own doctor, and it is not about blaming yourself for what your body has been through. It is about becoming an informed advocate for your health, especially during a season when your body is doing something as complex and demanding as preparing for pregnancy.

What I wish I had known sooner

Looking back, if I could give one piece of advice to my younger, more stubborn self, it would be this.

Listen to your body before it has to get louder.

I had signs and symptoms that our culture often tells women to normalize, especially when we are busy, ambitious, caregiving, working hard, or trying to hold everything together. We normalize exhaustion, painful or irregular periods, hair loss, digestive issues, anxiety, poor sleep, and feeling disconnected from our bodies, and then we wonder why so many women feel dismissed when they finally ask for help.

Symptoms are signals. They are not character flaws, and they are not proof that you are failing.

The sooner we understand what our bodies are trying to tell us, the sooner we can support the root causes that may be affecting our energy, hormones, fertility, and overall health.

I believe fertility care should feel proactive, nourishing, and deeply human. It should include better education, better testing, better nutrition, and better support for both partners, because preparing for pregnancy is not just about getting pregnant. It is about creating the healthiest possible foundation for the mother, the baby, and the family that is being built.

My Hashimoto’s diagnosis was not the ending of my fertility story. It was the moment I finally started listening.

Hashimoto's FAQ

Can Hashimoto’s affect fertility?

Hashimoto’s can affect fertility when it leads to thyroid hormone imbalance, because thyroid hormones help regulate ovulation, menstrual cycle patterns, and the hormonal environment needed to support early pregnancy. Thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism have also been associated with miscarriage risk, which is why thyroid testing can be an important conversation for women who are trying to conceive.

Can you get pregnant with Hashimoto’s disease?

Many women with Hashimoto’s can and do get pregnant, especially when thyroid levels are appropriately monitored and managed with medical care. The goal is not to panic, but to work with a knowledgeable provider who can help optimize thyroid function before and during pregnancy.

What thyroid labs should I ask for before pregnancy?

Many providers begin with TSH and Free T4, while some may also evaluate Free T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies, especially when symptoms, miscarriage history, or autoimmune thyroid concerns are present. Your provider can help determine which labs are appropriate for your history.

Is miscarriage my fault if I have Hashimoto’s?

No. Miscarriage is complex, multifactorial, and never something a woman should blame herself for. Understanding thyroid health can be empowering because it may reveal an area that deserves support, but it should never become a source of shame or self blame.

Can lifestyle changes cure Hashimoto’s?

Lifestyle changes cannot be promised as a cure for Hashimoto’s, and they should not replace thyroid medication or medical advice when treatment is needed. However, nutrition, sleep, stress support, nutrient status, gut health, and environmental choices may help support overall immune and thyroid health as part of a comprehensive plan.

A note from WeNatal on Hashimoto’s and fertility

If you are navigating Hashimoto’s, thyroid imbalance, pregnancy loss, or the tender uncertainty of trying to conceive, we want you to know that you are not alone and this is not your fault. Fertility is not a reflection of how hard you are trying, how healthy you have been, or how much you want to become a parent.

At WeNatal, we believe preconception care should look at the whole body, including thyroid health, immune function, nutrient status, blood sugar, inflammation, stress, sleep, and the health of both partners. Hashimoto’s can be one important piece of the fertility picture, but it is never the whole story, which is why compassionate, root cause support and thoughtful testing can be so empowering.

If you suspect your thyroid may be playing a role in your fertility journey, consider speaking with a trusted healthcare provider about a full thyroid panel, including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. Getting answers is not about blame. It is about giving your body the information, nourishment, and support it needs as you prepare for pregnancy.

Your symptoms are signals, your body is worthy of being heard, and your fertility journey deserves care that feels proactive, informed, and deeply human.