Ask the Doctor: Is there any connection between hypothyroidism and female infertility?
By Evan Klass, M.D.
Dr. Evan Klass answers the question: “Is there any connection between hypothyroidism and female infertility?”
Definitely. Hypothyroidism, when it is not treated or not treated adequately, reduces ovulation, and obviously, no ovulation, no pregnancy. In addition, when hypothyroidism is not treated adequately, a woman’s libido or interest in sexual activity may be reduced (no sex, no pregnancy).
Most patients with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis [PDF], an autoimmune disease which causes the thyroid to fail. Some people who have normal thyroid function may be found to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by doing a specific blood test for thyroid peroxidase antibodies. The presence of these antibodies in the blood, even with normal thyroid hormone levels, has been associated with reduced fertility and with increased risk of miscarriage.
Finally, for women who have hypothyroidism who become pregnant, it’s essential that their thyroid hormone dosage be adjusted early in the first trimester–the dose will almost certainly need to be increased in pregnancy.
Evan Klass, M.D. is an endocrinologist practicing in Reno, Nevada at University Health System. Dr. Klass completed his fellowship training in endocrinology at George Washington University Medical Center.
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