Thyroid problems are one of the most common and most overlooked causes of infertility in both women and men. The thyroid gland controls the hormones responsible for metabolism, menstrual cycles, ovulation and pregnancy development. When thyroid levels become imbalanced, either low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high thyroid (hyperthyroidism), fertility and pregnancy health can be affected.
At Genesis IVF, many couples we guide through fertility treatments have underlying thyroid imbalance. This blog explains how thyroid disorders affect conception, pregnancy and how early treatment helps restore fertility.
How Thyroid Problems Affect Female Fertility
1. Irregular Ovulation
Low thyroid can disturb egg release and cause
- Irregular periods
- No ovulation
- Delayed ovulation
This reduces the chances of natural conception.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Thyroid hormones interact with estrogen and progesterone. Imbalance can cause
- Heavy bleeding
- Short menstrual cycles
- Unexplained infertility
3. Higher Risk of Miscarriage
Untreated thyroid issues may lead to
- Early miscarriage
- Repeated pregnancy loss
- Implantation issues during IVF
Maintaining ideal TSH levels between 1 and 2.5 mIU per Litre is important while trying to conceive.
How Thyroid Problems Affect Male Fertility
Thyroid disorders also affect men. Both low and high thyroid levels can lead to
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm movement
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Reduced sexual drive
- Erectile difficulties
Once thyroid levels are corrected, sperm quality often improves within a few months.
Impact of Thyroid Problems During Pregnancy
Thyroid hormones are essential for the baby’s brain and nervous system development. If thyroid disorders remain untreated during pregnancy, the mother may face the following complications:
1. Preterm birth
Low or high thyroid levels increase the chance of early delivery.
2. Developmental concerns in the baby
Poor maternal thyroid levels can affect the baby’s
- Brain development
- Growth
- Learning ability
3. Pregnancy complications
Women may experience
- Preeclampsia
- High blood pressure
- Placental issues
- Low birth weight
Early diagnosis and regular monitoring are important to avoid these outcomes.
Symptoms of Thyroid Problems That Affect Fertility
Symptoms in women
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Irregular periods
- Hair fall
- Feeling too cold or too warm
Symptoms in men
- Low sperm quality
- Reduced stamina
- Mood changes
- Low sexual desire
If you notice any of these symptoms, a simple thyroid blood test can help diagnose the issue quickly. You can also read our detailed guide on pregnancy scans in our article on 3D and 4D pregnancy scan benefits.
Thyroid Levels Required for Conception and Pregnancy
Ideal TSH levels during various stages:
- Trying to conceive: between 1 and 2.5 mIU per Litre
- First trimester: between 0.1 and 2.5
- Second trimester: between 0.2 and 3.0
- Third trimester: between 0.3 and 3.0
Your fertility consultant at Genesis IVF Chennai may recommend adjustments to keep your levels stable throughout your conception journey.
Thyroid Treatment Options to Improve Fertility
Most thyroid disorders are easily treatable. Common treatment options include
- Thyroid hormone replacement
- Anti thyroid medicines
- Lifestyle correction
- Regular follow up
- Supplements like iodine and selenium (only under doctor supervision)
When thyroid levels return to normal, natural fertility improves and IVF success rates increase.
Thyroid Problems and IVF at Genesis IVF Chennai
Before starting your IVF cycle, our specialists
- Check your thyroid profile including TSH, T3 and T4
- Adjust medicines to reach ideal levels
- Monitor thyroid function during ovarian stimulation
- Support healthy implantation and early pregnancy
This improves fertility outcomes and overall pregnancy safety. You can also learn more about fertile days in our guide on the ovulation period and its importance for fertility.
Conclusion
Thyroid disorders are a common and treatable cause of infertility. Early detection and correction improve ovulation, sperm quality and pregnancy health. Whether you are planning natural conception or IVF, maintaining balanced thyroid levels is crucial. At Genesis IVF, we provide complete thyroid evaluation and personalised fertility support to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.
FAQs
- Can thyroid problems cause infertility
Yes. Both low and high thyroid levels can disturb ovulation and sperm health, leading to infertility.
- What is the ideal TSH level for pregnancy
Most fertility experts recommend keeping TSH between 1 and 2.5 mIU per Litre while trying to conceive.
- Can I become pregnant if I have thyroid problems
Yes. With proper treatment and monitoring, you can conceive naturally or through IVF.
- Do thyroid issues affect IVF success
Yes. When thyroid levels are corrected, implantation improves and miscarriage risk reduces.
- Should I test my thyroid before pregnancy
Yes. A simple thyroid test helps identify problems early and improves fertility outcomes.