For many years, thyroid dysfunction disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have not only been known for their effects on weight, fatigue or mood, but have also been identified as one of the underlying causes of infertility. However, this link is still often overlooked during fertility check-ups.
According to statistics published in the Journal of Medical Science and Health Care of India, about 20% of female infertility cases are related to thyroid dysfunction. Worryingly, many women do not have obvious symptoms, but still have difficulty conceiving or face continuous miscarriages.
Dr. Sonal Singhal, an obstetrician and gynecologist working at Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon, India, said: "The thyroid gland is the coordinating center of the hormone system. When thyroid hormones are imbalanced, a series of other reproductive hormones are also affected, from ovulation to sperm quality.
Thyroid disorder disrupts the reproductive hormone system
Physiologically, the thyroid gland is closely coordinated with the brain, ovaries, testicles, adrenal glands and pancreas. When thyroid hormones increase or decrease abnormally, the brain may send false signals to other endocrine organs.
One of the earliest-acting hormones is prolactin. According to Dr. Sonal Singhal, low thyroid hormone levels can increase prolactin, thereby inhibiting ovulation in women and reducing sperm production in men. Increased prolactin also causes irregular menstruation, late periods or amenorrhea, causing fertility to decline significantly.
In addition, thyroid imbalance also affects estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones in the female reproductive cycle. As a result, menstruation disorders, erectile dysfunction, difficulty ovulating and reduced placental ability of the embryo.
Not stopping there, thyroid health is also closely related to insulin metabolism. Thyroid disorders can increase insulin resistance, contributing to promoting polycystic ovarian syndrome, a leading cause of infertility in young women.
Stress, cortisol and the infertility vicious cycle
Hormone cortisol, the stress hormone, also plays an important role in this overall picture. When the thyroid gland is disrupted, the body is prone to chronic stress, increasing cortisol. “High cortisol can hinder ovulation, reduce egg quality, reduce sperm count and mobility, and affect sexual desire,” Dr. Sonal Singhal emphasized.
The consequence of this hormone chain reaction is that many couples experience delayed pregnancy, recurring miscarriage, poor embryo quality or infertility of unknown cause, even though they are completely healthy on the surface.
Experts recommend that thyroid function tests should be performed early and periodically in people planning to have children. Correct treatment, combined with stress management with yoga, meditation, enough sleep, a balanced diet and insulin resistance control can help restore endocrine balance.
Dr. Singhal added: "Many people are informed that their thyroid hormone levels are at a normal level, but the optimal level for fertility is often lower than the general threshold. Even mild disorders can affect pregnancy outcomes.
Not only women, men with thyroid disorders also have a risk of testosterone reduction, reduced sperm count and quality. Therefore, prioritizing thyroid health is not an option, but an essential condition for couples who are looking forward to having children.
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