Answers

Replied on 2/19/2010

By: Laurel Fertility Care  |  San Francisco, Marin, East Bay and the Central Valley.
San Francisco, CA

An over- or under-active thyroid can affect the quality of ovulation and lead to miscarriages if severe. If pregnant while hypothyroid, it may cause the baby to have learning disabilities or, when severe, a process termed cretinism where there is severe mental retardation. A
hyperactive thyroid condition can also affect the pregnancy and cause an early termination or delivery if later in pregnancy.

Replied on 2/11/2010

By: Boston IVF  |  Michael Alper, MD
Steven Bayer, MD
Alan Penzias, MD
Kim Thornton, MD
Merle Berger, MD
Rita Sneeringer, MD
Waltham, MA

There is a relationship between under-active or hypothyroidism and fertility problems. This is why all fertility doctors check thyroid hormone levels. In general, an under-active thyroid has been linked to a slight increase in miscarriage rates and in dramatic cases, it can affect ovulation. To be on the safe side, most reproductive medicine MDs aim for optimal thyroid function, prescribing thyroid supplementation when needed.

Replied on 2/10/2010

By: The Center for Reproductive Health & Gynecology   |  Beverly Hills Office
Beverly Hills, CA

Thyroid problems affect ovulation i.e. regular menses, and can increase pregnancy loss rates during early pregnancy. During pregnancy high and low levels can affect health of the baby and mom. Thyroid problems do not affect egg quality.

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