Infertility
A new study supports the notion that thyroid disorders can cause infertility in women. The research, published in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, found that 2.3 percent of women with fertility problems had an overactive thyroid. The condition is also linked with menstrual irregularity, the researchers said. For over two decades now, we have noticed a strong link between hypo- and hyperthyroidism and infertility as well as adverse pregnancy.
Infertility Treatment
But hey, not to fear. With proper treatment, regular monthly periods as a result of thyroid issues can often be restored. Treatment of hyperthyroidism varies depending on severity and provider preference. Many cases can be treated with certain medications you receive from your doc.
Infertility problems caused by hyperthyroidism
Thyroid gland problems can affect men’s and women’s fertility in many ways, including:
- Menstrual cycle abnormalities: an overactive thyroid or an excess of thyroid hormone in blood are associated with both short periods with a very light flow and in which regular bleeding occurs at intervals of fewer than 21 days.
- Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone: Normal levels of both hormones are essential for fertility
- Imbalances in blood levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG): this protein, which is produced by the liver, plays a key role in transporting testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol. hyperthyroidism can cause SHBG levels to be too high.
- Abnormalities of sperm and semen: Hyperthyroidism has been shown to affect sperm quantity and quality as well. This is important because, according to the American Urological Association (AUA), if a male infertility factor is diagnosed in a couple who’s having trouble getting pregnant, it’s almost always due to a problem with the sperm.
- Affect on sexual function in men: In men, thyroid disease—particularly hyperthyroidism— also
- has been found to affect sexual function in a variety of ways, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Of course, none of these conditions renders a man infertile, but they can certainly make it difficult for a couple to follow through on attempts to get pregnant naturally.
Reference:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/thyroid-issues-and-fertility.aspx
https://www.verywellhealth.com/infertility-and-thyroid-disease-4019413
https://modernfertility.com/blog/thyroid/
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20150126/thyroid-trouble-may-harm-womens-fertility-study-finds#1
https://www.createfertility.co.uk/fertility-guide/conditions/hyperthyroidism-and-fertility
