Thyroid disorders and infertility in women
Women may experience fertility problems for many different reasons, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause. One of the factors that many women with fertility problems may not have on their radar are the possibility of an undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems. The thyroid produces hormones that play key roles in growth and development. According to the British researchers, changes in thyroid function can have a major effect on reproductive function before, during and after conception. For over two decades now, researchers have noticed a strong link between hypo- and hyperthyroidism (thyroid problems) and infertility as well as adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The researchers also noted that thyroid disease is associated with an increased risk of problems during pregnancy, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, premature birth and stillbirth.
The effects of thyroid problems on women’s fertility
The body-wide hormone changes that thyroid disorders can cause may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and other problems with menstruation that can affect fertility. Thyroid problems can cause infertility in a variety of ways, including:
- Menstrual cycle abnormalities: Hypothyroidism in women has been linked to infrequent menstruation, or oligomenorrhea, in which periods are more than 35 days apart. By contrast, an overactive thyroid or an excess of thyroid hormone in blood are associated with both hypo menorrhea (short periods with a very light flow) and poly menorrhea, in which regular bleeding occurs at intervals of fewer than 21 days.
- Disruptions in ovarian function: Generally, Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to prevent ovulation, the monthly process in which an egg is released to be fertilized. If no egg is released, you can’t get pregnant, even if you’re having regular menstrual periods.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This endocrine disorder affects approximately 10 percent of women of childbearing age and is the leading cause of ovulatory infertility. It’s characterized by higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone), which causes irregular, absent, or heavy periods that, in turn, affect ovulation.
- Shortened luteal phase: This time is starting from the time of ovulation and the end of the day before the next period, the ovulation ends. When it’s compressed, a fertilized egg may be expelled during menstruation before it has a chance to implant and before a woman is aware that conception has taken place.
- Prolactin levels: It can also lead to increased production of prolactin (the hormone that controls milk production, or lactation) in women who aren’t pregnant. When your prolactin levels are high, you may not ovulate.
- Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone: Normal levels of both hormones are essential for fertility.
Diagnosis
Infertility is diagnosed in a couple who have unsuccessfully been trying to get pregnant for a year by having unprotected intercourse. This is the point at which most are advised to see a fertility specialist. Among the tests that they are prescribed for, a doctor is asking for a diagnosis of thyroid problems in a woman (because thyroid disorders are more common in women than men). In these tests, the levels of TSH, T4, and T3 hormones are measured.
Treatment
Treating infertility caused by thyroid disease or in which a thyroid problem is a contributing factor is, for the most part, a matter of using medication to bring thyroid hormone levels within a normal range. For men, this may help improve sperm quality and quantity. For women, normalizing hormone levels can help to correct menstrual or ovarian problems that may be causing infertility. Ideal thyroid hormone levels also are necessary for conception to take place.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-and-infertility/faq-20058311
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20150126/thyroid-trouble-may-harm-womens-fertility-study-finds#1
https://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/thyroid-issues-and-fertility.aspx
https://www.verywellhealth.com/infertility-and-thyroid-disease-4019413
