How Thyroid Hormones Affect Fertility and Menstrual Cycles

Thyroid and reproductive hormones are deeply connected. Your thyroid hormones influence your menstrual cycle’s timing, flow, and your ability to conceive. In this post, we’ll explore how hypothyroidism affects your cycle and fertility. Whether you’re trying to conceive or experiencing irregular periods, understanding this connection can help.

Thyroid Hormones and Follicle Growth

Thyroid hormones play a key role in follicle development. Your ovaries and the eggs (oocytes) in your follicles have numerous thyroid hormone receptors. If you’re hypothyroid, your follicles may not develop properly due to insufficient thyroid hormone levels, leading to:

• Missed, heavy, or irregular periods
• Shorter cycles with more frequent periods
• Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding

A healthy balance of thyroid hormones is crucial for ovulation and a regular menstrual cycle.

How Hypothyroidism Disrupts the Menstrual Cycle

Over half of women with hypothyroidism experience menstrual irregularities. Here are the most common issues caused by low thyroid hormones:

• Anovulation (No Ovulation): Without enough thyroid hormones, follicles can’t fully develop, and the necessary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge may not occur, preventing ovulation.
• Short Luteal Phase: After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg produces progesterone, essential for maintaining a healthy luteal phase (ideally 14 days). Low thyroid function can shorten this phase.
• Heavy Periods: Insufficient progesterone, often due to hypothyroidism, can cause excessively heavy menstrual bleeding.

To learn more about our approach to hypothyroidism, check out Functional Medicine Approach to Hypothyroidism: A Guide for Women.

Hypothyroidism and Hormonal Imbalances

Hypothyroidism can also lead to imbalances in other hormones, particularly:

Estrogen Dominance

Many women with hypothyroidism experience low progesterone and high estrogen, often seen in conditions like PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis. High estrogen can occur due to:

• Low progesterone, which normally balances estrogen and helps thin the uterine lining.
• Impaired estrogen metabolism, leading to estrogen buildup.
• Reduced levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which normally helps regulate circulating estrogen.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance include breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating, PMS, and heavy periods.

High Prolactin Levels

Hypothyroidism often elevates prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast development and milk production during pregnancy. Elevated prolactin can interfere with follicle development by lowering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which can lead to missed periods (amenorrhea).

Hypothyroidism and Puberty

Thyroid dysfunction can also impact puberty. In adolescent girls, low thyroid hormones may delay puberty, or, conversely, cause early menstruation due to premature follicle stimulation.

Hypothyroidism and Fertility Challenges

Hypothyroidism can complicate conception for several reasons:

• Anovulation: If your follicles don’t mature, you won’t ovulate, making conception impossible.
• High Prolactin: Elevated prolactin levels can hinder conception by interfering with follicle development.
• Low Progesterone: Inadequate progesterone can prevent successful implantation.
• Irregular Cycles: Menstrual irregularities caused by hypothyroidism can disrupt fertility.

Studies show that women with a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level under 2.5 are more likely to conceive. The good news is that treatment for hypothyroidism can lower prolactin levels, restore balance, and improve fertility outcomes. To learn more about hypothyroidism during pregnancy, read Hypothyroid in Pregnancy: The Key to a Healthy Baby and Mother.

Next Steps for Hypothyroidism, Periods, and Fertility

Optimizing your thyroid health is key to achieving a healthy menstrual cycle and improving your chances of conception. Reach out for personalized support with your thyroid health.

Have questions? Drop them below!