There is nothing more isolating and stressful than the experience of trying to conceive. And it’s always much harder than we’re first led to believe.

One of the first discussions you might have with a doctor on your journey, is any pre-existing conditions and how they can affect fertility. And the most common ones, [especially in Indian] people are Thyroid conditions.

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with what the Thyroid gland, Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are, we’ve covered all that and more in another blog. But in a nutshell, the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating our body’s metabolism — how quickly you digest food, and convert it into energy.

As you can imagine, because it’s such a basic function it can affect everything from your menstrual cycle, heart rate, body temperature and of course, fertility. Let’s talk about that last one more in detail.

What’s the link between Hypothyroidism and fertility?

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. People with Hypothyroidism often report symptoms like fatigue and weakness, unexplained weight gain, and constantly feeling cold. If you think of this in the context of “not having enough energy”, the symptoms start to make a lot more sense.

Low levels of Thyroid hormones in your body can cause a higher concentration of Prolactin, a fertility hormone that plays the important role of triggering ovulation. It can shorten the second half of your menstrual cycle (Ovulation and Luteal Phase), and not give fertilised eggs enough time to attach to the uterine wall (Remember, that’s what allows it to develop into a pregnancy).

Many people experience irregular periods, heavy bleeding or anovulation (when the egg doesn’t get released as a result.

Can Hypothyroidism be treated?

Yes! For many people struggling with Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s disease, there are options available that can [completely reverse] any symptoms you might be facing. Doctors and other wellness specialists might also recommend individualised treatment plans that may include a combination of dietary changes, supplements, exercise, stress relief and medication. Some of the available treatment options are:

• At an advanced stage, many doctors prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, which can restore your daily levels.

• But in many cases, Lifestyle Changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management can help restore normal thyroid function.

• Tackling symptoms like Depression and Weight gain from the top-down with the right treatment plan or therapy, can also help regain normal function.

Does Hyperthyroidism affect fertility?

When the thyroid gland produces an excess thyroid hormone, it causes food to be consumed, digested and absorbed way too quickly. People with Hyperthyroidism often report symptoms like unexplained weight loss, anxiety, elevated heart rate and heat intolerance — which all make sense if you think about having “too much” energy.

Hyperthyroidism influences reproduction at both the central and the peripheral level by disrupting your body’s natural rhythms, whether that’s digestion, [circadian (sleep)] or menstrual.

Many people report irregular periods, irregular ovulation, and even amenorrhea (absence of periods), reducing the chances of conception by making it difficult to predict when exactly you should have sex.

Many women with untreated hyperthyroidism also might have an increased risk of miscarrying, especially in the first trimester.

Can Hyperthyroidism be treated?

Yes! There are many available treatment options to manage symptoms, and in many cases make it go away completely. Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, however, can get worse over time, especially if left untreated because it weakens your immune system and ovaries. Some of the available treatment options are:

• Antithyroid medication like Methimazole or Propylthiouracil (bookmark this for later!) might be prescribed to reduce hormone production.

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy describes a literal radioactive drink made of iodine that can be used to destroy overactive thyroid cells.

• A Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the thyroid gland (or parts of it).

• And finally, beta-blockers might be prescribed to manage any heart-related symptoms.

The Thyroid gland is responsible for such a fundamental function, that it can create a really complex relationship for you with your body. So far, we’ve only discussed how it can affect your fertility and conception, but if not treated or monitored properly, both Thyroid conditions can cause maternal anaemia, premature birth or even a miscarriage.

If you’re thinking about starting a family, there’s no substitute for a Thyroid screening or general hormone testing early on. It points out any red flags you might need to know about to make sure mother and baby are healthy and happy.