Can hypothyroidism cause infertility?

Resolved question:

Hi, I am 28 yrs. old and it's been a year I am trying to get pregnant. I had a miscarriage a year ago. 2 months ago I was diagnosed to have hypothyroidism and started on synthroid 25mg. After 6 weeks of treatment my TSH came down to 3.1 from 11.9. My prolactin was also elevated and it came down to 32 from 65. I was with the hope that I could conceive this time. But I got my period late for 5 days than usual and its nature was similar to a miscarriage. I am still concerned about my TSH level as I read its high for someone who is trying for baby. But my physician says TSH is okay. Please advise me. What is causing this infertility issues? Is it my thyroid? What do I do next? I am absolutely frustrated.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello, in your case, Hyperthyroidism may be causing all these infertility problems. When thyroid hormone is not producing enough it results in a condition known as Hypothyroidism. This hormone is responsible for all types of functioning and regulations in your body. When it is under produced, it causes number of problems such as weight gain, fatigue, cognitive issues, hoarse voice, thinning of the hair and irregular periods. A simple blood test will tell you the amount of thyroid hormone that your thyroid is secreting the hormone. Many women think that once they get their thyroid levels under control then their periods become more regular and hormones begin to balance out and their infertility problems are fixed. However for some women even with the regulation of the thyroid they continue to experience infertility problems. In that case, it is best to consult an infertility specialist to find out the cause. Other conditions include cysts in the ovaries that can lead to irregular periods and finally causing infertility. Hypothyroidism is also linked in causing excess of prolactin hormone which stimulates the production of breast milk and an over production can cause irregular periods and a halt in ovulation. Since you have already mentioned that TSH levels are normal, I would suggest you to consult your infertility specialist or obg- gyn doctor for further assessment. Hope this helps. Thank you.

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