How Thyroid Disorders Affect Fertility

Because your thyroid is responsible for regulating many of your body's hormones, thyroid disorders can have a direct impact on other bodily functions as well. Some commonly affected hormonal-based conditions can include changes in menstrual cycle, fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, the onset of menopause and the ability to breastfeed. However, a malfunctioning thyroid can most commonly affect a woman's fertility, specifically her ability to get pregnant and carry her pregnancy full-term.

How Having a Pre-Existing Thyroid Condition Can Affect Fertility

The two most common types of thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism (or under active thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (or over active thyroid). Each condition contributes in its own way to fertility problems, however the goal with both diseases is to get the thyroid hormone back to a normal level prior to conception for the optimal health of both mother and baby.

Hypothyroidism. Women who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism have slightly more difficulties regarding their fertility. It is imperative that women considering becoming pregnant receive the proper medical treatment for their disorder. Lack of treatment of extremely hypothyroid mothers has been linked to babies with higher risks of developmental problems, such as lower I.Q. levels, as well as cretinism, a condition that can cause mental retardation. Incidents of stillbirths and miscarriages are also increased in women with untreated hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism. Women previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism generally have fewer difficulties. They often have a more difficult time becoming pregnant. Like hypothyroid women, hyperthyroid women also have an increased risk of miscarriage. Additionally, if their thyroid condition is mild to moderate (as determined by an endocrinologist), there is little concern for any health risks to either the mother or the baby. Women with severe (or unregulated) hyperthyroidism have an increased risk of anemia, high blood pressure and infection, as well as a higher likelihood of passing the condition on to her baby.