About Fertility
Can Thyroid Levels Affect Fertility?
Healthy thyroid levels are a key factor for a successful pregnancy. Patients often ask how thyroid levels affect fertility and the ability to conceive. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a hormone produced from the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) which causes the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, e.g.thyroxine. Thyroxine helps control a number of metabolic processes. Women with true hypothyroidism may exhibit cold intolerance and varying degrees of fatigue.
Nearly 50% of women show some degree of thyroid dysfunction by the age of 60. In many women in their 30s and 40s, the thyroid gland begins to under function. The human bodies first response to an under functioning thyroid gland is to increase the TSH to try to get the thyroid to work harder; hence, an elevated TSH level is an accurate marker for an under functioning thyroid. Most women with TSH levels >5.0 will be hypothyroid.
What is a Normal TSH Level?
Although normal levels of TSH have been considered to be 0.5-5.0, most endocrinologists feel the level should be below 3.0 in early pregnancy. Women with levels above 3.0 may be at increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Recent studies suggest that a level >2.5 in early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor.
Does High TSH Levels Mean Infertility?
At FCNE, we screen all women with TSH levels. Although levels between 2.5 and 5.5 might be considered normal levels, we treat all women with thyroid replacement if their TSH level is >3.0. Remember an elevated TSH level points to low levels of thyroid functioning, and the need to supplement the thyroid’s own production of thyroid hormones with Synthroid or Levoxyl.
Contact Us
At Fertility Centers of New England, our goal is to optimize all aspects of a patient’s overall health in order to have the best possible chance of conceiving. If you have more questions, like can thyroid levels affect fertility or are having difficulty conceiving, please contact us today!
