One in eight women develops thyroid problems in their lifetime, because they are more vulnerable to be at risk for autoimmune diseases. The thyroid is one of the target organs of autoimmunity.

Dr. George Tershakovec, General Surgeon with Homestead Hospital, says other conditions like lupus, scleroderma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are risks factors for autoimmunity and therefore thyroid dysfunction.

Thyroid problems can cause irregular menses, problems to conceive, fetus abnormalities and carrying a pregnancy to full term. Women who have an issue of infertility will be tested for thyroid function or dysfunction.