Infertility not only impacts females, but it also impacts males. This fact should be spoken out loud because fertility is becoming a challenge, and they mostly don’t even understand why they are facing the issue. Out of all, thyroid health plays a crucial role in male reproductive function. Around 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 100 men are experiencing hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. Yet, the connection remains under-discussed and underdiagnosed.
Let’s explore how thyroid affects male fertility.
How thyroid’s role in the male reproductive system?
The hormonal cycle plays an important role in both men and women, regulating the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, production of sperm, and testicular health. HPT (hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis) regular hormone function in men. The pituitary gland releases a signal to Leydig cells, which produce progesterone, which is responsible for muscle growth, mood regulation, libido, and sperm morphology. While FSH in men stimulates sperm development in the testes.
Unlike women, men also have hormonal fluctuation, like their testosterone peaks in the morning and gradually decreases by evening, because of factors like exercise, work, stress, etc. All these factors impact the release of FSH and LH and regulate sperm production and testosterone synthesis. An imbalance created by of thyroid function can disrupt the function of Leydig cells, impacting muscle growth, libido, and sperm morphology.
Hypothyroidism
It is when the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones to work properly, leading to a cascade of reproductive issues like decreased testosterone level, sperm count, and motility, and increased erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and prolactin level.
This is accompanied by symptoms like-
- Unexplained weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Reduce muscle mass
- Depression and mood swings
- Erectile issue
Hyperthyroidism
When a body starts to produce thyroid hormones more than it is supposed to, then it starts to impact fertility in men. The increased testosterone level, accompanied by a low level of semen volume, causes sperm abnormalities like hampered motility and poor morphology.
The symptoms of this issue include-
- Rapid heartrate
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Anxiety, or restlessness
- Unexplained weight loss
Thyroid disorder not only impacts the biological clock of the body
- Thyroid illness not only influences hormonal equilibrium but also heavily affects mental status and lifestyle, both of which exert an immense influence on male fertility.
- Anxiety and depression, both of which are common in hypo- and hyperthyroidism, suppress libido and impair sexuality by altering dopamine and serotonin transmission. This psychological burden usually leads to reduced intimacy and delayed pregnancy.
- Fatigue, a typical symptom, decreases activity level and hence testosterone secretion, a major hormone for sperm development and sexual function.
- Additionally, weight gain or loss caused by thyroid dysfunction may also alter insulin sensitivity and estrogen levels, and impair sperm morphology, motility, and general reproductive potential.
Ways to control thyroid issues
But first, start with some normal steps-
- First and most important thing is to go for regular check-ups. This will help you know whether the issue is increasing or controlling.
- Healthy eating is very important because the things you put in your body come out in different forms. Eating plenty of water, lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits should be the priority.
- Exercise is the best way to balance thyroid hormones. It promotes improvement in metabolic function, reduces stress, supports overall hormonal regulation, and lowers inflammation in the body.
- The number of hours has a direct impact on hormones. That is why doctors recommend having at least 8 hours of sleep to have a good and healthy body.
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement (Levothyroxine)
Synthetic T4 hormone replaces normal thyroid levels, and increases energy, mood, metabolism, and secondarily raises testosterone and libido. Regularity of checkups ensures optimal dosing and avoids overtreatment.
- Lifestyle Changes
Iodine-rich diet is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, and for that, you can incorporate seaweed, dairy, eggs, and iodized salt.
- Stress management
Stress elevates cortisol, which suppresses thyroid and testosterone. That is why it is important to engage in activities like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep to restore hormonal balance.
- Monitoring Testosterone & Prolactin
Hypothyroidism can elevate prolactin, which suppresses gonadotropins and testosterone. Regular blood studies enable the early recognition of imbalance and guide fertility-oriented treatments.
- Antithyroid medications (PTU, Methimazole)
This is used to reduce anxiety, weight loss, and palpitation, as these are inhibited with thyroid hormone synthesis.
- Radioactive iodine therapy
Along with hyperthyroidism, it is also used to treat thyroid cancer, as the thyroid cells are directly targeted using radioactive iodine. Although this temporarily decreases the sperm count, but can be reversible.
- Antioxidant support
Hyperthyroidism led to damage in the DNA of the sperm because of the increased oxidative stress. But through supplements like selenium, zinc, Vitamin C, and E, doctors protect sperm integrity and enhance motility.
Conclusion
Thyroid diseases are often underdiagnosed in men, but they may have a significant impact on sperm quality, hormone balance, and overall fertility. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism disrupt reproductive harmony, but the good news is that, with medical treatment, early detection, and lifestyle management, fertility potential is generally restored. If you or your partner are finding that you’re experiencing unexplained infertility, fatigue, or hormonal symptoms, it’s time to have your thyroid checked.
At Aveya Fertility Centre, we possess expertise and knowledge of detecting subtle causes of male infertility, like thyroid issues, and provide tailored treatment for enhanced outcomes. Their fertility experts combine state-of-the-art diagnostics with compassionate care to give you the best possible opportunities of having your baby.
Furthermore, contact us today for more relatable information.
