Many factors can affect your ability to get pregnant, and one often-overlooked player in this process is your thyroid. This tiny butterfly-shaped organ in your neck controls your metabolism by producing hormones that control vital bodily functions. Unfortunately, if it is not working properly—whether it is overactive or underactive—it can disrupt ovulation and make it harder to conceive. Understanding how these disorders affect fertility can help you identify potential setbacks and take steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating the body’s metabolism, but it also impacts many other systems, including your reproductive system. Whether it is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can interfere with essential hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are necessary for successful conception. Both men and women can experience fertility challenges due to thyroid dysfunction, and addressing these issues can often improve fertility outcomes.

How Your Thyroid Affects Fertility

Problems with this tiny organ can lead to various reproductive health issues that may interfere with your ability to conceive. Here are some of the most common ways it can affect fertility:

In Women:

• Irregular periods: Both underactive and overactive thyroids can cause irregular periods, making it hard to predict ovulation.
• Ovulation problems: An underactive thyroid can prevent the release of an egg, while one that is overactive can also disrupt ovulation.
• PCOS: Women with PCOS are more likely to have an underactive thyroid, further complicating fertility.

In Men:

• Low testosterone: An underactive thyroid can lower testosterone levels, affecting sperm production.
• Poor sperm quality: Both underactive and overactive thyroids can impact sperm count, motility (how well they swim), and shape.
• Sexual dysfunction: Overactive thyroids can lead to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. While these conditions do not directly cause infertility, they can make it more challenging for couples to conceive.

What to Do if Thyroid Problems Are Affecting Your Fertility

If you are struggling with infertility and suspect thyroid issues might be a factor, it is important to take action:

• Get Tested: If you’re having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
• Seek Treatment: Fortunately, thyroid problems are treatable. This often includes hormone replacement therapy with medication. In some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may be necessary, particularly for more severe hyperthyroidism cases.

Improving Your Thyroid Can Improve Your Fertility

The good news is that once function is restored to normal levels, many individuals see an improvement in fertility. For women, normalizing hormone levels can regulate menstrual cycles, restore regular ovulation, and improve the chances of conception. For men, treating these issues may improve sperm quality, motility, and testosterone levels, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization.

Key Takeaway

Don’t underestimate the impact of your thyroid health on your fertility journey. Talk to your doctor to ensure your thyroid is functioning properly and give yourself the best chance of achieving your family goals.