Thyroid and Fertility

Thyroid and Fertility

The function of the Thyroid gland:

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland situated in front of the neck, producing thyroid hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism. Imbalanced thyroid hormones can harm both males and females and affect the ongoing pregnancy.

Thyroid hormones include: - Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH) released from the brain, which stimulates the pituitary gland 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

Imbalanced thyroid hormones and Female fertility: -

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

• 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

Imbalanced thyroid hormones and Male fertility: -

• 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 medication and thyroid hormones return to adequate levels, fertility may often be restored.