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  • With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician

    Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.

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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.

If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), your 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 the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), which impairs fertility. In addition, some of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism — such as certain autoimmune or pituitary disorders — may impair fertility.

For women, treating hypothyroidism is an important part of any effort to correct infertility. If infertility remains after hypothyroidism has been corrected, other interventions to treat infertility may be needed.

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 question
Secondary infertility: Why does it happen?
References
  1. Kuohung W, et al. Evaluation of female fertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 25, 2013.
  2. Neema A, et al. Gonadotropin levels in hypothyroid women of reproductive age group. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2011;61:550.
  3. Unuane D, et al. Endocrine disorders & female infertility. Best Practice and Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25:861.
  4. Milanesi A, et al. Management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 2011;18:304.
  5. Van den Boogaard E, et al. Significance of (sub) clinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity before conception and in early pregnancy: A systematic review. Human Reproduction Update. 2011;17:605.
  6. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 29, 2013.
  7. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 26, 2013.
AN01436 May 4, 2013

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