There is a long list of possible causes of infertility in men and women – ranging from lifestyle diseases to genetic problems. Among the lesser-known possible causes of fertility challenges are thyroid problems, which – fortunately – are fairly easy to diagnose and to treat.

In this article, we share some pertinent information from The National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) to shed some light on the function of the thyroid in general health, and our Dr Sulaiman Heylen from Cape Fertility explains the role of the thyroid in fertility to raise awareness of this possible cause of a couple’s infertility.

What is the thyroid?

The NCBI shares the information below.

The thyroid is a vital hormone-producing (endocrine) gland. Thyroid hormones regulate many vital body functions and processes in the body, including reproductive health.

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is found at the front of the neck, under the voice box. Thyroid tissue consists of many individual lobules that are each enclosed in a thin layer of connective tissue. These lobules contain a great number of small sacs – called follicles – which store thyroid hormones in the form of little droplets.

The thyroid gland produces three hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3); Tetraiodothyronine (T4), also called thyroxine; and Calcitonin (although only T3 and T4 are considered proper thyroid hormones). Calcitonin is made by C-cells and is involved in calcium and bone metabolism.

By releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, the thyroid plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. When the body needs more energy in certain situations – for instance, if it is growing or cold – the thyroid gland will produce more hormones.

The more active T3 and T4 become in the body, the more the basal metabolic rate goes up (the amount of energy your body needs while at rest). They make all of the cells in the body work harder.

Sometimes the body needs more thyroid hormones, and sometimes it needs less. Iodine is an important substance that is needed to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

To make the exact right amount of hormones, the thyroid gland also needs the help of another gland: the pituitary gland. One of the things the pituitary gland does is to use the hormone TSH to control the amount of hormones the thyroid gland releases into the bloodstream.

Most of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream are bound to proteins, which makes them inactive. If the body needs more hormones, T3 and T4 can be released from these proteins in the blood and do their job.

How does my thyroid impact my health?

Thyroid problems are quite common among both men and women, but are about five times more common in women than in men.

The NCBI notes that an overactive thyroid makes too many hormones (hyperthyroidism), while an underactive thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones (hypothyroidism).

Both of these imbalances can lead to many different health symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism is caused by overactive thyroid that produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This can result in weight loss, heart palpitations, feeling of anxiety and nervousness, and can have an effect on the menstrual cycle.

An underactive thyroid is called hypothyroidism and doesn’t make enough hormones, which can result in a woman gaining weight easily, feeling fatigued and cold, and experiencing problems with periods.

The thyroid gland can also become enlarged and sometimes individual lumps called nodules grow in the gland.

The impact of the thyroid on fertility

Dr Sulaiman Heylen from Cape Fertility explains the impact of the thyroid on fertility in this Facebook video, and we share his insights below.

Thyroid function can significantly impact your ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may cause hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, and overall fertility. It is essential to get your thyroid levels checked as part of your fertility journey.

Thyroid problems are a common cause of ovulation problems that can cause infertility. A thyroid that doesn’t function properly can cause both menstrual problems and ovulation problems. Both types of thyroid problems affect fertility: an overactive or an underactive thyroid because both too much thyroid hormone and too little thyroid hormone can cause problems with ovulation.

An underactive thyroid means that your body does not make enough thyroid hormone, and this can lead to irregular periods or light periods or a luteal phase that is too short which can cause an implantation problem. It can also cause miscarriages and recurring pregnancy loss.

An overactive thyroid also can cause symptoms, but it is, fortunately, a lot less common than under active thyroid. The symptoms can be similar to an underactive thyroid, but can also cause medical problems, especially cardiac problems.

In addition, especially during pregnancy, the body’s demand for thyroid hormones increases drastically.

How are thyroid problems diagnosed?

Fortunately, Dr Heylen explains, thyroid problems are not difficult to diagnose or treat.

Various tests can be used to diagnose medical conditions affecting the thyroid. A simple blood test can determine if there is too much or too little thyroid hormone.

The blood tests measure TSH, which is the hormone that comes from the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid. If the TSH is normal, then the thyroid function is normal.

However, if the TSH is too high or too low, then we know the thyroid is under active or overactive.

Treatments for thyroid problems

Dr Heylen also points out that there are very good treatments for thyroid problems.

An under active thyroid, which is very common, can easily be treated with thyroid hormone. The standard treatment is usually a single dose in the form of a tablet taken in the morning 20 minutes before breakfast.

However, the thyroid function must be monitored carefully, so regular blood tests for TSH are required to ensure that the thyroid is managed properly – especially in cases of pregnancy, because the demand for thyroid in pregnancy can change quite drastically.

An overactive thyroid is, fortunately, not so common, and very often an endocrinologist is requested to manage an overactive thyroid that is producing too much thyroid hormone.

How to check if your thyroid is affecting your fertility?

Thyroid hormones play a very important role in general health, especially in terms of metabolism and energy levels, and are also very important for reproductive health.

Fortunately, the majority of the cases of thyroid problems are easy to detect. These thyroid problems are also very easy to treat, and the treatments generally result in very good outcomes.

If you’re struggling to conceive, consider checking your thyroid health! Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving fertility outcomes.

If you are concerned about the impact of your thyroid function on your fertility, we invite you to simply contact us by clicking here…

At Cape Fertility, we value each individual patient and we look forward to providing you with individualised and personalised care, affordable quality fertility treatment, and higher success rates at our purpose-built premises in the beautiful city of Cape Town.