7 Drastic Impacts of Thyroid Problems on Fertility

Underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism is a health condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This issue is often associated with various health complications such as cold sensitivity, tiredness, low metabolism rates, and weight gain.

In some cases, uncontrolled hypothyroidism can also lead to fertility issues among men and women. This mostly happens due to the low levels of hormones required for ovulation and sperm production. If you suffer from hypothyroidism and also facing difficulties in conceiving then you can consult one of the best IVF doctors in Siliguri.

Given below are some of the negative impacts of hypothyroidism on fertility.

1. Sperm Abnormalities

The key fertility issue created among men by hypothyroidism is semen and sperm abnormalities. An underactive thyroid gland can lead to low semen volume, low sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. These issues impact both the quality and quantity of the sperm by making it difficult to successfully fertilize an egg.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Progesterone and estrogens are the most essential hormones among women, which leads to a successful pregnancy. However, if hypothyroidism is left untreated then it can decrease the levels of these hormones abruptly. This can interfere with the production of high-quality eggs. Additionally, low progesterone levels can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles.

3. Abnormalities in Menstrual Cycle

Oligomenorrhea or infrequent menstrual cycle is one of the major complications associated with hypothyroidism. If this health condition is not diagnosed properly, then it may lead to anovulation and other ovarian disorders. The abnormal menstrual pattern is also hugely responsible for hormonal imbalance, which makes it difficult to get pregnant.

4. PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS can be considered the main cause of ovulatory infertility. Weight gain, irregular or missed periods, excessive body hair, cystic ovaries, and hair thinning are some of the distressing symptoms of PCOS, which can worsen if you also suffer from hypothyroidism.

5. Low Testosterone Levels

Another cause of infertility among men due to hypothyroidism is the low levels of testosterone. Normal levels of this hormone are highly essential for proper production of healthy sperm. Some of the other impacts of low testosterone include low sperm count, loss of libido, shrunken testicles, and erectile dysfunction. All of these side effects can lead to difficulties in making your partner pregnant.

6. Improper Ovarian Function

Normal ovarian function is hugely affected by low thyroid hormone levels. This can also lead to annovulatory cycles, where no egg is released from the ovary during menstruation. If these issues become frequent then the chances of becoming pregnant will be less because of the absence of a mature egg for fertilization.

7. Short Luteal Phase

The luteal phase of menstruation is most important for a successful pregnancy. This is the period between ovulation and menstruation, where any disorders affecting this stage can lead to infertility. Hypothyroidism makes this luteal stage extremely short which increases the chance of embryo implantation failure.

Before seeking the guidance of the best IVF doctors in Siliguri, it is essential to maintain proper levels of thyroid hormones. TSH, Free T3, TPO, and Free T4 tests can be recommended by the doctor to check the hormone levels and prescribe the perfect dosage of medications to cure hypothyroidism.