Thyroid and Infertility: What Every Couple Should Know

There are many people who don’t know that thyroid and infertility can affect their chances of getting pregnant. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck but it controls many important things in the body, including the hormones that help with pregnancy. If the thyroid doesn’t work properly then it can make it harder for a woman to get pregnant.

At RISAA IVF, we have met many couples who didn’t know that their thyroid was affecting their chances of having a baby. Dr. Rita Bakshi, our senior IVF specialist with over 35 years of experience has helped many such couples. In this blog, we will talk about everything about thyroid and infertility. We will explain what thyroid problems are, how they affect fertility, how to test them, and more.

What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland which is located in the front of your neck. They are small but do a very big job by making hormones that help to control how your body uses energy. These hormones also affect your weight, heartbeat, body temperature, and even your mood.

Thyroid helps to keep everything in balance when it works properly. However, if it makes too much or too little hormone then it can cause problems in many parts of the body. One of the areas it can affect is your ability to have a baby. That’s why it’s important to keep your thyroid healthy for your overall health and fertility.

Types of Thyroid Problems

There are mainly two common types of thyroid problems that can affect your health and fertility:

• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):

This happens when your thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. It can also slow down the functions of your body. You may feel tired all the time, gain weight, feel cold often, or have irregular periods. Thyroid and infertility are also related because an underactive thyroid can make it harder to get pregnant. 

• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):

In this case, the thyroid makes too much hormone. It also speeds up your body’s functions. You may lose weight quickly, feel nervous, have a fast heartbeat, or face issues in sleeping. This can also disturb your menstrual cycle and affect fertility.

There are also other thyroid issues like goiter (swelling in the neck), thyroid nodules (lumps), and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.

How Thyroid Affects Fertility in Women?

The connection between thyroid and infertility in women is very important but often overlooked. Thyroid can disturb the balance of hormones which are needed for a healthy menstrual cycle and ovulation.

In hypothyroidism (low thyroid), the body may not release eggs regularly or periods may stop completely. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy are related because it makes it harder to get pregnant. In hyperthyroidism (high thyroid), the cycle may become irregular and the uterus may not be ready for pregnancy. Both these conditions can also increase the risk of miscarriages.

Hormones play a very big role in fertility and even small changes in thyroid levels can affect a woman’s chances to have a baby. So, it’s very important to check thyroid health early when someone is trying to have a baby.

Thyroid and Male Fertility: Is There a Link?

Yes, there is a link between thyroid and infertility in men. However, it’s not talked about as often as it is in women. The thyroid gland helps to control many body functions, including those that affect sperm health and hormone levels.

If a man has hypothyroidism then it can lower testosterone levels, reduce sperm count, and even affect sperm movement. In hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), the sperm may not appear properly or there may be changes in sexual function. These conditions can make it harder for a couple to get pregnant.

So, it’s important to check thyroid levels for men too. Especially, if they and their partner have been trying to have a baby for a long time and can’t get pregnant. However, these problems can be managed with the right treatment.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance

There are many symptoms that are easy to miss or may seem like regular tiredness or stress, which is why thyroid problems often go unnoticed at first. Here are some common symptoms, including the following:

• Irregular periods or missed periods
• Weight gain or weight loss without any clear reason
• Tiredness or low energy even after resting
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Dry skin or brittle nails
• Feeling cold or hot more than usual
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Facing issues in sleeping
• Difficulty in getting pregnant

Important Note: If you notice a few of these signs together then it’s a good idea to get your thyroid checked. A simple blood test can help you to find out if your thyroid is working normally.

How Thyroid Issues Are Diagnosed?

Thyroid problems are usually diagnosed by looking at symptoms and doing a few tests. The doctor may ask about things like tiredness, weight changes, or irregular periods, and also check if thyroid problems run in your family.

The main way to check the thyroid is through blood tests, especially:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
• T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones)

Sometimes, an ultrasound of the neck is also done to see the size or shape of the thyroid gland. These tests help doctors to find out if your thyroid is overactive or underactive to start the right treatment.

Fertility Treatment For Thyroid Patients

Thyroid hormone and fertility are related and it can disturb the balance of thyroid hormone in the body. Doctors first try to manage the thyroid levels before starting any fertility treatment. When the hormone levels are normal then it becomes easier for many couples to conceive naturally or with medical help.

Treatment steps include:

• Thyroid blood tests to check hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4).
• Medicine for low thyroid (hypothyroidism) – like levothyroxine.
• Medicine for high thyroid (hyperthyroidism) – to reduce extra hormone production.
• Lifestyle changes – healthy diet, stress control, and regular exercise.
• Fertility treatments – such as ovulation medicines or IVF if needed.
• Regular follow-ups – to keep thyroid levels in the safe range during pregnancy planning.

Can IVF Help in Thyroid-Related Infertility?

Yes, IVF can help when thyroid and infertility are connected. If thyroid problems are treated but pregnancy still doesn’t happen then IVF can improve the chances. Doctors first make sure thyroid hormone levels are normal before starting IVF because this supports a healthy pregnancy. For many couples, IVF becomes a helpful option when thyroid issues have affected natural conception.

Tips to Manage Thyroid for Better Fertility

It’s important to take care of your thyroid when you’re trying to get pregnant. Thyroid and infertility are closely connected, so it’s important to keep the thyroid hormone levels in balance to improve your chances of conceiving.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Get regular thyroid tests
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Take thyroid medicine on time
• Manage stress
• Sleep well
• Stay active
• Visit your doctor regularly

Final Words

Thyroid and infertility can be closely linked and can make it harder for women and men to have a baby. In this blog, we’ve shared what the thyroid does, how different thyroid problems affect fertility, and the symptoms. We also talked about diagnosis, treatment options, and how IVF can help to get pregnant.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist has helped many couples with thyroid and fertility problems. If you have questions or need help, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Can thyroid cause infertility?

Yes, both overactive and underactive thyroid can affect hormone levels, which may lead to problems with ovulation or sperm quality, making it harder to get pregnant.

• Can I get pregnant if I have thyroid?

Yes, many people with thyroid problems do get pregnant. With proper treatment and regular monitoring, chances of a healthy pregnancy improve.

• What are bad habits for the thyroid?

Skipping meals, eating too much processed food, lack of sleep, high stress, and not exercising can negatively affect thyroid health.

• How does hypothyroidism affect relationships?

Hypothyroidism can lead to tiredness, mood swings, low sex drive, and emotional ups and downs, which might cause stress in relationships if not managed.

• Can thyroid problems cause female problems?

Yes, thyroid issues can lead to irregular periods, weight changes, mood problems, and trouble getting pregnant.

• Which fruit is best for the thyroid?

Fruits like apples, berries, and bananas are good for thyroid health because they are rich in antioxidants and help reduce inflammation.