If you are experiencing issues with infertility, it may not be your or your partner's reproductive system to blame. There is a gland in your neck called the thyroid; it is shaped similar to a butterfly and often goes unnoticed unless it is in dysfunction. One dysfunction of the thyroid that could cause infertility problems for women is called hypothyroidism.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. This can cause problems with a person weight, cognitive functions, menstruation and several other issues that are not relevant to fertility matters. Dr. Rubenfeld is a practicing thyroidologist and the founding chairman of an organization called The Thyroid Society for Education and Research. Through research has been found that hypothyroidism can play many roles in causing a woman with an untreated hypothyroid condition infertility problems.
Infertility Problems Caused by Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can cause you to have irregular periods. Having an irregular cycle can make planning conception difficult for you and your partner. Also, due to the imbalance of hormones caused by the decreased amount of thyroid hormone secreted, it is not unlikely for you to have polycystic ovaries. This is when you have a cyst or cysts on your ovaries that could impede the releasing of eggs during your menstrual cycle.
The Link between Excess Prolactin Hormone and Infertility Problems
Another way that hypothyroidism affects fertility and can create infertility issues, according to Dr. Rubenfeld, is the over production of prolactin in the body. For postpartum women, this continued production of prolactin causes a woman to continue producing breast milk. This can occur after a miscarriage as well. Since the production of prolactin is being released in large amounts, it causes a great imbalance in the reproductive hormonal system and thus creates issues with fertility by ceasing the ovulation or causing irregular periods.
How Treatment of Hypothyroidism Can Help Correct Infertility Problems
Hypothyroidism can easily be checked with a simple blood test. The test will tell the doctor if you have hypothyroidism; if so, you will be prescribed a synthetic thyroid hormone pill that you will take daily. The doctor will recheck your thyroid levels frequently to make sure you are on the correct dosage. Some women who have had infertility issues caused by hypothyroidism found that once their thyroid became regulated, their fertility issues were corrected and they were able to conceive naturally. This is not always the case, but if the cause of your infertility is directly linked to the under activity of your thyroid, then your infertility should be corrected.
It is important for you to keep a chart of your ovulation. Record your cycles and any missed months. Once you have your thyroid regulated, it is generally seen that the menstrual cycle will become regulated as well. If, however, after six months of actively trying to conceive while your thyroid remains in a normal range, and no pregnancy is achieved, you should consult with a fertility specialist to see if there may be other underlying conditions that are causing your infertility problems.
