Thyroid and infertility are two health conditions that are more closely connected than many people realize. The thyroid gland plays a very important role in managing hormones in the body and any imbalance can affect a woman’s chances to get pregnant. Both men and women can experience fertility problems which are related to thyroid disorders. So, it’s very important to understand the connection and get proper help.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has helped many couples to manage fertility issues related to thyroid. She offers the right diagnosis, treatment, and support to every patient who is struggling to conceive. In this blog, we will explain everything about how thyroid affects fertility, signs, treatment options, and more to improve your chances of pregnancy.
What is the Thyroid and What Does it Do?
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck that looks like a butterfly. It makes hormones that help to control many body functions. It includes the energy levels, heartbeat, weight, and even how the body grows. These hormones also play an important role in your chances to get pregnant.
However, if the thyroid makes too much or too little hormone then it can cause issues in your body, including difficulty to have a baby. That’s why it’s important for the thyroid to work properly, especially when you are planning a pregnancy.
How are Thyroid and Infertility Connected?
Thyroid and infertility are closely connected because the hormones made by the thyroid gland help to control the reproductive system. If the thyroid doesn’t work properly then it can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, ovulation, and chances to get pregnant.
For example, missed or irregular periods can make it difficult to know when you are most fertile. In men, thyroid problems can also lower sperm count or quality. That’s why it’s important to keep thyroid levels balanced for men and women who are trying to have a baby.
Types of Thyroid Disorders That Affect Fertility
There are two main types of thyroid disorders that can affect fertility: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both can affect the natural balance of hormones in the body and make it difficult to conceive.
- Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones. This may lead to irregular periods, issues with ovulation, and a higher risk of miscarriage. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy can also be difficult because low thyroid levels can affect the mother and the baby’s health if not managed properly.
- Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much hormone. It can cause lighter periods, irregular cycles, and problems in releasing eggs properly. In women, it may reduce the chances of the egg meeting the sperm at the right time. In men, it can lower sperm count and motility. If not treated, it may also lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.
Thyroid and infertility can affect men too, by lowering sperm quality or sexual health. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with thyroid disorders can still conceive successfully.
Thyroid Issues in Women and Their Impact on Pregnancy
Thyroid issues in women can make it difficult to get pregnant and may also cause problems during pregnancy. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help to control your periods and ovulation. If your thyroid is not working properly and it’s either too slow (underactive) or too fast (overactive) then it can affect your cycle and reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
Can thyroid cause infertility? Yes, if your thyroid hormone levels are not balanced then it can affect ovulation and make it difficult to conceive. It can also lead to problems like miscarriage or early delivery. However, many women can still have a healthy pregnancy with the right treatment at the right time.
Thyroid Disorders in Men and Fertility Problems
Thyroid disorders in men can also affect fertility but it’s not discussed as often as it is for women. The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating hormones that impact sperm health. If the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) then it can lead to problems like low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or even changes in sex drive.
These hormone imbalances can make it difficult for men to help their partner conceive. In some cases, thyroid problems may also affect testosterone levels. Additionally, many of these issues can be managed and fertility can improve with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid and Infertility
There are some common symptoms of thyroid problems and this can be different for each person, but there are a few signs that are often seen. These symptoms may be related to an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid and both can affect your fertility and overall health.
Here are some common symptoms of thyroid and infertility:
- Feeling very tired or having low energy
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss without trying
- Irregular or missed periods in women
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Feeling cold even when others don’t
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Issues in sleeping or feeling restless
- Slow heartbeat (in hypothyroidism) or fast heartbeat (in hyperthyroidism)
How is Thyroid-Related Infertility Diagnosed?
Thyroid-related infertility is usually diagnosed with simple blood tests and a review of your symptoms. If you are trying to get pregnant and facing issues then your doctor may suggest checking your thyroid function to see if it’s affecting your fertility.
Here’s how it is usually diagnosed:
- TSH Test: This test helps to check the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. If the level is too high or too low then it means your thyroid may not be working properly.
- T3 and T4 Tests: These tests measure the actual thyroid hormones in your body. They help the doctor to understand if you have an overactive or underactive thyroid.
- Thyroid Antibody Test: Sometimes, your body makes antibodies that attack the thyroid. This can affect fertility, especially in women. This test helps to check for those antibodies.
- Ultrasound (if needed): In some cases, your doctor may do a thyroid ultrasound to check for any swelling or nodules.
Fertility Treatment For Thyroid Patients
Thyroid hormone and fertility are closely connected and it’s important to manage thyroid levels for couples who are trying to conceive.
Fertility treatment Like: (Female infertility Treatment) (male Infertility treatment) for thyroid patients usually starts with managing hormone imbalance to improve the chances of natural pregnancy. However, if pregnancy doesn’t happen after thyroid control then additional fertility support may be needed.
Here are some common treatment options:
- Thyroid medication: Medicines like levothyroxine for hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism helps to balance hormone levels.
- Regular monitoring: Thyroid levels are checked regularly during treatment and pregnancy to prevent any complications.
- Ovulation induction: If ovulation is irregular then certain medicines may help to trigger egg release.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: Treatments like IUI or IVF may be advised if natural conception doesn’t occur.
- Lifestyle changes: It’s important to eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress to support thyroid health and fertility.
Final Words
Thyroid and infertility are closely linked but with proper care and the right treatment, many couples can become parents. Managing hormone levels plays a big role in improving fertility whether it’s an underactive or overactive thyroid. Early diagnosis and proper support can make a real difference.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, offers personalised care for thyroid-related fertility issues. From diagnosis to treatment, we’re here to guide you with compassion and expertise at every step.
📞 Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or 📧 email at doctor@risaaivf.com for the right guidance and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can thyroid problems really affect my ability to get pregnant?
Yes, both overactive and underactive thyroid can affect ovulation, hormone balance, and overall fertility in women and men.
What is hypothyroidism and pregnancy risk?
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is underactive. If not treated, it may cause irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, or complications during pregnancy.
Do I need to take thyroid medicine forever if I want to get pregnant?
In many cases, yes. Your doctor will decide the right dose and help you manage it safely during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy stages.
Is it safe to try for a baby if I have thyroid problems?
Yes, with proper treatment and regular monitoring, many people with thyroid conditions can conceive and have healthy pregnancies.