Most couples desire to explore parenthood down the line. Natural conception is the first stage of this method. However, there are times when both men and women face difficulties in their conceiving attempts, and one such obstacle is thyroid imbalance. While many people are cognizant that thyroid imbalance affects weight or mood changes, the significant impact of this hormonal imbalance on the menstrual cycle and fertility still largely remains unknown.
The thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped organ located just below the larynx at the base of your neck (voice box). It is a component of the endocrine system, which consists of glands that secrete, store, and release hormones, such as T3 and T4, into the bloodstream so that they can reach cells throughout the body.
Thyroid Problems and Infertility: What’s the Connection?
Thyroid problems occur when the production of THS, T3 and T4 hormones are excessive or insufficient, leading to a detrimental effect on an individual’s fertility rate. Thyroid imbalances can result in irregular periods, ovulatory disorders, increased rate of pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and lower IQs in babies.
Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones caused by an overactive thyroid gland) impacts upto 5% of women. Unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, fewer or lighter menstrual cycles, increased sweating, and heat intolerance are some of the symptoms of this condition. Hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can cause pregnancy complications such as a rise in blood pressure in the final stages of pregnancy, as well as premature delivery, low birth weight, or even miscarriage. Most women suffering from hyperthyroidism are able to conceive. However, to protect both the woman and her baby during pregnancy, the thyroid condition should be treated and monitored by a doctor.
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels caused by an underactive thyroid gland) affects 2-4% of women and is more common than hyperthyroidism. Weight gain, fatigue, and increased or heavier menstrual bleeding are some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism. In addition, hypothyroidism can adversely affect your ovaries by causing cysts to form on them. It can also induce an increase in prolactin production — the hormone that regulates milk production, or lactation — in women who are yet to be conceived . High prolactin levels creates an impossible environment for the process of ovulation to take place.
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are known to inhibit ovulation by suppressing the release of eggs. Research indicates that thyroid imbalances are also linked with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and other abnormal hormone levels.
Effects of thyroid imbalance in men
Although thyroid disease is commonly assumed to be suffered largely by women, men account for roughly one-third of hypothyroidism cases. Studies indicate that low thyroid hormone levels in men have been linked to poor sperm quality, low sperm count, reduced testicular function, erectile dysfunction, a dip in libido function and lowered male fertility hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Once hypothyroidism is detected in a man experiencing fertility issues, restoring erectile function typically involves bringing thyroid hormone levels back into the normal range.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of thyroid disorder is typically made through blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH, T3 and T4 levels. It is advisable to consult your doctor to understand the option for treatment and various tests that are available today.
Treatment for thyroid disorders and infertility typically involves addressing the underlying thyroid condition. In the case of hyperthyroidism, treatment may include medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels or surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland. In the case of hypothyroidism, treatment typically involves taking thyroid hormone replacement medication to bring hormone levels back to normal.
In addition to treating the thyroid disorder, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility may also recommend fertility treatments.
Furthermore, few self-regulatory practices such as a healthy diet, avoiding artificial additives, daily exercise and being physically fit can help in maintaining thyroid hormone levels. If your periods are irregular or you’re experiencing anything unusual that resembles any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor so that they can assist you in getting to the heart of the problem and eradicating it from its roots.
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