Can hyperthyroidism affect fertility?

by Indira IVF Indira IVF Center For IVF, IUI, ICSI Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition described as the overproduction of hormones thyroxine by the thyroid gland. The increased hormones will accelerate the metabolism in your body. The thyroid gland is of a butterfly-shaped which can be seen at the front of the neck. This gland produces T4 and T3 hormones which plays an important role to control the usage of energy by your cells in the body. When both the mentioned hormones get released in higher amount then it can cause hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis can help you to prevent the complications related to an overactive thyroid and to reduce the hyperthyroidism symptoms. It is seen that thyroid affects women more than men. Generally, 15 to 20% of females are affected by the said issues. The patients may experience issues in sleeping, fatigue, constipation etc. A lot of people have doubts about the causes of hyperthyroidism. However, the most common cause is Graves’ disease which is an autoimmune disorder. It causes antibodies to encourage the thyroid to release many hormones. The overactive thyroid has an overwhelming effect on the patient’s fertility. If you are struggling with hyperthyroidism then do not assume you cannot be parents. There is still hope with the help of medication and fertility treatments.

Hyperthyroidism symptoms:

The high amount of T4, T3 or both can lead to excessive metabolic rate. It is known as the hypermetabolic state. In this condition, one may experience a rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure and hand tremors. In many cases, the impact of hyperthyroidism is on frequent bowel movements, irregular periods in women and excessive sweating etc. There are some other symptoms of hyperthyroidism are increased appetite, weakness, nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, itching, hair loss etc.

How hyperthyroidism affects male infertility?

· Low libido: Hypothyroidism can cause n losing energy and weight where a patient might feet fatigue. The feeling of tiredness can put off sex and causes the libido to drop. However, this state can be reversed or improved with the help of medication.

· Premature ejaculation: Due to endocrine disorder a male can experience premature ejaculation problem. While there is no research on exactly the connection with hyperthyroidism to the premature ejaculation. It is been said that hyperactive thyroid gland lever up the system’s functioning which tends to ends the act of sexual intercourse soon.

Affect on female infertility

· Irregular menstrual periods: During the state of hyperthyroidism, a female may don’t release an egg. In ovulation, the periods may be missed by a woman. It may also happen a female gets her menstrual without even ovulating. If there is no egg to fertilize with sperm then conception will not take place. In order to avoid complete infertility during the state of hyperthyroidism, it is important to evaluate the symptoms and unusual changes in the body. With the help of hyperthyroidism treatment, infertility can be addressed and resolved in an effective manner.

· Sexual dysfunction: it is more indirect than a direct result of hyperthyroidism. It causes fatigue and tiredness in the body irrespective of the work. As a result, a female may lose interest in sexual intercourse. It leads to a decrease in the chances of getting pregnant. At times a female tries to satisfy her partner with intercourse but her sexual part fails to release the lubricant which makes the process more painful. As a result, the interest in the same will lower down.

How to treat hyperthyroidism?

There is various hyperthyroidism treatment in India are availed to overcome the symptoms and implication of this state. The symptoms can be improved by eating a proper diet and focusing on calcium and sodium can help. It can also make the bones weaker that may result in osteoporosis. Consuming vitamin D and calcium supplements can strengthen your bones.

In order to treat hyperthyroidism, medication, radioactive iodine and surgery can remain helpful. Antithyroid medicines can help in stopping the thyroid to release hormones. In addition o this, radioactive iodine is given to destroy those cells that release hormones. Last but not the least treatment is surgery for hyperthyroidism. Here, the section of the thyroid gland is generally removed. After surgery, one needs to take thyroid hormones supplements to safeguard hyperthyroidism in the future. In the case of infertility due to hyperthyroidism, one may undergo fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, and ICSI. This will increase the chances of conception in such a state.