Knotty journey from thyroid to infertility

Before moving to the journey of infertility from thyroid, let’s make infertility and thyroid clear to you for better understanding! Thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped organ in front of lower neck that releases hormones which administers metabolism and other essential functions in our body. infertility is inferred a couple’s inability to conceive in spite of having regular unprotected intercourse for or over a year.

Yes! Thyroid can lead to infertility. Thyroid and infertility have a complex relationship between them as apart of conception.

How does thyroid affect infertility?

Before delving into the relationship of infertility and thyroid, Know about thyroid disorder. Dysfunction of thyroid gland leads to myriad disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism because of change in thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Hypothyroid disorder gives rise to another autoimmune condition namely Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that is predominant in women. Hyperthyroidism causes condition known as Graves’ disease. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both associated with decrease fertility as well as adverse pregnancy and neonate outcome.

Pituitary gland regulates thyroid stimulating hormones which triggers two main hormones namely T3 triiodothyronine and T4 thyroxine. If there is imbalance in these hormones then it can lead to various fertility issues. Major issues such as miscarriages, ovulation disorders, irregular menses, premature birth etc. can be raised by thyroid and keeps a woman from healthy pregnancy.

There are some signs of low levels of progesterone;

– A shorter or longer cycle than your usual menstrual cycle
– Lighter or heavier bleeding
– Longer or shorter windows for bleeding

What fertility or non-fertility issues can be raised by thyroid?

– Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
– Anxiety, rapid pulse rate, tremors, frequent bowel movements, sensitivity to heat and cold
– Sudden weight loss or weight gain
– Loss of libido
– Premature birth
– Miscarriages
– Irregular menstrual cycle
– Painful and heavy periods
– Trouble in conceiving
– Ovulation disorders
– Tiredness and depression
– Low basal body temperature
– PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

How thyroid affects male fertility?

Fertility is not only a concern of female but also men suffer from this. Thyroid disorders in men can also bring trouble in conceiving

– Reduce sperm count
– Reduce sperm motility
– Sperm abnormalities
– Lower libido
– Difficulty in sustaining erection
– Narrows down male fertility hormones

Thyroid intervention in Assisted reproductive technique:

– Difficulty with fertilization of the egg
– Causing trouble with implantation
– Increasing the risk for miscarriage

Is there any special care I should take during pregnancy?

– For hyperthyroid medications, there are specific birth defects that can be related with their use, so it is necessary to consult with doctor during pregnancy.
– If you are given levothyroxine, there are few risks to the pregnancy, but your required dose generally increases during pregnancy.
– It will be important to get regular and elaborated check up by your doctor during your pregnancy. You might be on higher risk of pregnancy loss with hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism is known to cause pre-term labor issues and low birth weight.
– Thyroid checkup doesn’t always mean that you are at risk but it must be done as a part of regular monitoring during pregnancy