When it comes to fertility, many people are surprised to learn how much the thyroid gland a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the neck can influence the ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey https://mfcfamily.com/ or facing challenges along the way, understanding the connection between thyroid health and reproductive health is essential.
What Does the Thyroid Do?
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism the way your body uses energy. These hormones also play a critical role in regulating menstrual cycles, ovulation, and hormone balance. When your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can disrupt these processes and affect fertility.
Thyroid Disorders and Fertility
1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, it can lead to:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
- Elevated levels of prolactin (a hormone that can suppress ovulation)
- Increased risk of miscarriage
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold sensitivity, and constipation but some people experience no symptoms at all.
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
An overactive thyroid can also interfere with fertility by:
- Causing irregular or absent periods
- Increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth
- Disrupting normal hormone levels, making conception more difficult
Signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, and difficulty sleeping.
Thyroid Function and Pregnancy
Once pregnancy occurs, optimal thyroid function remains important. Thyroid hormones support the baby’s brain development, especially in the first trimester before the baby’s thyroid begins to function. Poor thyroid function during pregnancy is associated with:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Preeclampsia
- Low birth weight
This is why thyroid levels are often monitored before and during fertility treatment and pregnancy.
Getting Tested
If you’re struggling to conceive or have a history of thyroid disease, your provider may recommend simple blood tests to check:
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- Free T4 (thyroxine)
- T3 and thyroid antibodies (in some cases)
At Midwest Fertility Center https://mfcfamily.com/, we routinely screen thyroid function as part of a comprehensive fertility workup.
Treatment Options
The good news is that thyroid-related fertility issues are often manageable.
- Hypothyroidism is typically treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone.
- Hyperthyroidism may be managed with medication, radioactive iodine treatment, or, in some cases, surgery.
Your fertility specialist https://mfcfamily.com/ will work closely with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to ensure your thyroid levels are in the optimal range for conception and pregnancy.
Don’t Overlook Your Thyroid
Even mild thyroid imbalances especially if you have a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions can impact your fertility. If you’re trying to conceive or preparing for fertility treatment, ask your doctor whether your thyroid should be evaluated.
Need Help?
At Midwest Fertility Center https://mfcfamily.com/, we’re committed to helping you uncover every piece of the fertility puzzle including your thyroid health. Contact us today at 630-810-0212 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward growing your family.