Fertility is something that we all worry about at a certain point in time. As we know various factors play an immense pivotal role in fertility but one crucial element that is often overlooked is the thyroid gland. It is a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that has a great impact on metabolism, hormonal balance, and energy levels. The thyroid gland or its influence is just not limited to its symptoms as it also affects the ability to conceive for women. In this article, we will explore the influence of thyroid health on female fertility and why it is important to keep your gland right at the time of getting pregnant.
Major two hormones namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are produced with a thyroid and regulated metabolism affecting almost every tissue in our body. In the case of women, thyroid health is closely connected to reproductive health as it involves the functioning of hormones. These regulate the production of critical hormones which are highly involved with ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
A slight change in thyroid function or its imbalance can lead to various problems such as irregular cycles, and difficulty in ovulation and can hamper the quality of the egg or its ability to implant fertilized egg into the uterus.
Hypothyroidism affects fertility directly as it occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid gland. This gives rise to various symptoms which include depression, weight gain, fatigue, and infertility. In terms of fertility, hypothyroidism can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance needed for ovulation. It becomes difficult for women with hypothyroidism to detect the time of ovulation as they often experience absent or irregular periods. It is known to all that without regular ovulation, your conception is difficult of quite challenging.
Women with untreated hypothyroidism may experience a 60% reduction in fertility. This is due to irregular or absent ovulation, which makes conception difficult. Studies have shown that 1 in 8 women with hypothyroidism struggle to conceive naturally without thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine).
Just like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism also has a direct influence on fertility. It is a thyroid gland that acts opposite to it as it is overactive and produces a large number of thyroid hormones, which leads to irrelevant fertility issues. This leads to disruption in the metabolism of the body as it enhances its speed up leading to problems like irregular periods, weight loss, and difficulty in ovulation. This increases the chances of preterm labor or early miscarriages which needs to be managed if prone to Hyperthyroidism. Thus, you need to monitor such functions before, during, and after your pregnancy period.
As per research, it is found that women who are prone to Hyperthyroidism result in 40% higher risks of miscarriage and complicated pregnancies.
Thyroid disorder not only affects your ability to conceive but, it also influences a healthy pregnancy. Thyroid disorders are responsible for approximately 5-10% of infertility cases worldwide. Hypothyroidism, in particular, is a major contributor to infertility. However, both Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism lead to several complications affecting fertility which include preeclampsia, low birth weight, and premature birth. Moreover, an imbalance in thyroid function can increase the risks of postpartum thyroiditis. It is a condition that directly affects the thyroid function of a new mother.
If you do not take proper treatment for thyroid disorders or keep it untreated, it could lead to the risk of preterm labor and gestational diabetes, which gives a boost to complications in pregnancy. Thus, it is important to identify your thyroid glan issues and its imbalances before trying to get pregnant or conceive.
Fertility issues are common and if you are struggling with the same, or find that thyroid health could be a factor, you need to get tested timely. A simple blood test is conducted to measure TSH levels that help in determining whether your thyroid is functioning adequately or not. Various other tests such as T3, T4, and antibodies are also taken up for diagnosing specific thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease.
Don’t feel stressed or discouraged, if you are diagnosed with a thyroid condition as these can be treated. Having the right diagnosis and treatment could help in restoring is timely and improve your fertility outcome effectively.
For women with hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy (typically in the form of levothyroxine) is the standard treatment. This medication helps to bring TSH levels back to normal and restore regular ovulation. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is typically treated with medications that lower thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine, or even surgery in severe cases.
Once thyroid function is normalized, many women find that their fertility improves and their menstrual cycles become more regular. Some women even conceive naturally after receiving treatment for thyroid imbalance.
Untreated thyroid disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. For example, hypothyroidism is linked to a 2-3 times higher risk of miscarriage compared to women with normal thyroid function.
Having certain modifications in your lifestyle can help you support your thyroid health and enhance fertility with medical treatment. Some lifestyle changes are-
Thyroid health is a critical piece of the fertility puzzle for women. Whether you are experiencing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it’s essential to address any thyroid issues before trying to conceive to ensure the best possible chances of a healthy pregnancy. If you suspect that your thyroid might be affecting your fertility, consult with a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options.
We at Aveya IVF Centre take a thorough diagnosis of your thyroid functioning so that the right treatment can be given. We ensure that your fertility is secured and safeguarded without facing any issues in pregnancy or conceiving.
With the right care, women with thyroid disorders can successfully conceive and enjoy a healthy pregnancy. If you are struggling with same, contact us today!!
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arzoo Chadha