Hyperthyroidism Could Cause Infertility Issues

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid that can cause infertility issues for women. They thyroid is responsible for releasing hormones into the body that regulate metabolism along with other functionings. When the thyroid has a dysfunction, such as hyperthyroidism, it can cause an imbalance in the reproductive systems functioning and a variety of infertility issues can occur.

Hyperthyroidism: What is It and How Do I Find Out if I Have It

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid released too much of the thyroid hormone into the body. This disorder of the thyroid can cause a variety of problems in the body and can even cause a woman to have infertility problems. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a fast heart rate and even heart palpitations, fatigue, nervousness, unintended weight loss and irregular periods.

A simple blood test can detect the levels of thyroid hormones your thyroid is releasing. If your doctor diagnoses you with hyperthyroidism he will prescribe a pill that will help to regulate your thyroid by suppressing the release of excessive hormones.

In some cases the hyperthyroidism is extreme and requires radiation treatments to the thyroid or removal of the thyroid via surgery. Surgery may seem drastic, but if the hyperthyroidism is severe enough to necessitate surgery, then the surgery would be needed rather or not you were seeking infertility help or not. Possible surgical removal could very well cure your infertility problems-but not in all cases.

How Anovulation Caused by Hyperthyroidism Affects Fertility

According to the founding chairman of the Thyroid Society for Education and research, Dr. Rubenfeld; hyperthyroidism can cause anovulation; the condition that causes a woman not to ovulate (release an egg).

In anovulation a woman does not ovulate, meaning she does not release an egg. Irregular cycles and missed periods are common for women with hyperthyroidism. It is even possible for a woman to continue having a period but not release an egg. Without the egg the sperm has nothing to fertilize-thus no chance of pregnancy.

Checking for Anovulation can Help Determine Infertility Problems

To see if you are having anovulation you can purchase an Ovulation Prediction Kit that will show when you ovulate. If the kit shows you that there is no ovulation occurring, you should set up an appointment with your doctor. By regulating the thyroid it is possible to correct the infertility problems you are experiencing due to hyperthyroidism.

How Do I Know if Hyperthyroidism is Causing Infertility

If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and your doctor is able to get it under control with a pill to suppress excessive secretions of the thyroid hormone; then it is likely that your infertility issues can be corrected. There is no way of telling if hyperthyroidism is your cause for infertility problems unless once your thyroid is regulated you are able to become pregnant without problems.

It is important for you to know that even if the thyroid is able to be controlled it does not always mean you will have all of your infertility barriers lifted. If your thyroid becomes under control and you attempt to become pregnant for at least 6 months with no pregnancy, it may be necessary for you to consult with a fertility specialist to see if other interventions are necessary or if there are other infertility issues plaguing your body.

Sources:
Fertility and Thyroid Disease FAQs
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/fertilitythy.htm

Female Infertility
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism-and-infertility/AN01436

Hyperthyroidism
http://www.wikipedia.com/hyperthyroidism