Thyroid and FertilityDr Chinmayie R

The Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland situated in front of the neck which produces thyroid hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism. An imbalance in the thyroid hormone secretions can have a negative impact on reproductive health in both males and females, it can also affect the ongoing pregnancy.

Thyroid hormones include:- Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH) released from the brain(hypothalamus), which stimulates the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to produce Thyroxine (T4) & Triiodothyronine (T3). Much of T4 is converted to T3 (the active form) in the liver.

#Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)- thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones

#Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)- fewer thyroid hormones secretion

> Menstrual irregularities (symptoms ranging from no bleeding to heavy heavy bleeding)

> Anovulation (failure to release an egg)

> Unexplained infertility

> Luteal phase problems (the second half of the cycle after the release of an egg)

> Early pregnancy miscarriages

> Affects the semen volume and motility of sperms

> Erectile dysfunction

> Ejaculatory delay

> Loss of libido

> Male breast enlargement

For any infertile couple thyroid hormones screening is a must. Once the underlying thyroid problems are treated with medications, and thyroid hormones return to adequate levels, many times fertility may be restored.