If you are trying to conceive, it is important to know how your thyroid can impact your fertility. The thyroid gland plays a major role in reproductive health and can affect both men and women. In this blog post, we will discuss the role of the thyroid gland, the thyroid and infertility, common problems associated with thyroid dysfunction, and how to get properly diagnosed.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a small endocrine gland that is located in the front of the neck. This gland produces hormones that circulate throughout our bodies and influence many aspects of our health, and also regulate our metabolism. These hormones are called triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄).
The thyroid and fertility
The hormones produced by the thyroid gland helps to regulate metabolism, which is essential for healthy ovulation and sperm production. Thyroid dysfunction can cause problems with fertility in both men and women. In women, thyroid dysfunction can sometimes lead to menstrual irregularities, difficulty conceiving, and even early miscarriage. In men, thyroid dysfunction can potentially lead to low sperm count and poor sperm quality.
Hypothyroidism VS Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to problems with your menstrual cycle which can cause difficulty when conceiving. It can even cause an increased risk of birth defects.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to irregular periods, and also lead to early miscarriage.
How are thyroid dysfunctions diagnosed?
If you are experiencing problems with fertility, it is important to be properly diagnosed by a physician. There are many different causes of infertility, and it is important to rule out any potential thyroid-related problems.
Thyroid dysfunction is often diagnosed through a simple test. The test measures the levels of T₃ and T₄ in your blood. Your physician will check a few of your hormone levels and will be able to tell you if you are experiencing a problem with your thyroid.
Treating thyroid conditions related to fertility
If you are diagnosed with a thyroid condition that is impacting your fertility, there are many treatment options available. In most cases, thyroid dysfunction can be treated with synthetic thyroid hormones, called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine helps to restore the correct balance of hormones in the body and can help to improve fertility in those with thyroid problems.
It can be hard to know how your thyroid condition impacts fertility, especially if you are not experiencing any symptoms. The good news is that our doctors at New Hope Fertility have seen firsthand the impact of untreated thyroid conditions on a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. If you would like more information about this topic or whether it may apply in your situation, please book an appointment with one of our physicians today!
Why New Hope?
New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating, and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (212) 517-7676 or schedule your initial consultation today!