- With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Dr. Mary Gallenberg is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology.
An Antigo, Wis., native, Dr. Gallenberg is a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an assistant professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Gallenberg has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990. She was on the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource editorial board and has been honored for excellence in teaching. She also won a Mayo Clinic Excellence Through Teamwork award.
Definition (2)
- Tilted uterus: Can it lead to infertility?
- Ovulation signs: When is conception most likely?
Causes (5)
- Hypothyroidism and infertility: Any connection?
- Tilted cervix: Can it hinder pregnancy?
- Fallopian tubes: Is pregnancy possible with only one?
- see all in Causes
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Fertility herbs: Do they enhance fertility?
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Question
Hypothyroidism and infertility: Any connection?
For women, is there any connection between hypothyroidism and infertility?
Answer
from Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones. For women, there's sometimes a link between hypothyroidism and infertility. Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. In addition, some of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism — such as certain autoimmune or pituitary disorders — impair fertility.
For women, treating hypothyroidism is an important part of any effort to correct infertility. However, sometimes it's not possible to fully restore fertility. In these cases, other interventions may be needed to treat infertility.
If you have hypothyroidism and hope to become pregnant, work with your doctor to make sure your hypothyroidism is under control. Seek additional help from an infertility specialist if needed.
If you have hypothyroidism and become pregnant, tell your doctor promptly. Close monitoring of your thyroid hormone level during pregnancy can promote normal fetal development and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Next questionTilted cervix: Can it hinder pregnancy?
- Surks MI. Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 3, 2010.
- Brassard M, et al. Basic infertility including polycystic ovary syndrome. The Medical Clinics of North America. 2008;92:1163.
- Mestman JH. Thyroid and parathyroid diseases in pregnancy. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/212819723-10/0/1528/403.html?tocnode=57027959&fromURL=403.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50040-2_1720. Accessed Aug. 3, 2010.
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