raji software
· Google
She will treat us in very smooth and polite way, v can ask all our doubts, she'll answer it very patiently
Home › Conditions › Thyroid and fertility
CONDITIONS · THYROID
Easy to test, easy to correct, and often missed.
The thyroid gland in your neck sets the pace of the body, including ovulation. When it runs too slow or too fast, periods and pregnancy are affected, and a daily tablet usually puts it right.
- Common
- One blood test (TSH)
- Usually corrected with tablets
- Fixed before treatment starts
- Pituitary — Sends TSH, the signal we measure
- Thyroid — Makes the hormone (T4)
- Ovaries — Need the right level to ovulate
- Early pregnancy — The need for thyroid hormone rises
01How does the thyroid affect getting pregnant?
Thyroid hormone helps the ovaries release an egg each month, so too little or too much can make ovulation irregular and raise the risk of miscarriage.
An underactive thyroid can also raise prolactin, which further blocks ovulation. Many women have no obvious symptoms, which is why the problem is often missed. Our journal article goes deeper into the science.
02What is the difference between an underactive and an overactive thyroid?
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) makes too little hormone and shows as a high TSH; an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) makes too much and shows as a low TSH.
Underactive: tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, heavy or irregular periods. Overactive: weight loss, a fast heartbeat, anxiety, light or missed periods. Both can affect ovulation. Both are treated with tablets, but the tablets and the plan are different.
03What should my TSH be before trying to conceive?
If you take thyroxine, the aim before conceiving is a TSH in the lower part of the normal range, so there is room to spare when pregnancy raises the need.
We correct thyroid before we start treatment, not during. If your TSH is normal and you have no thyroid disease, nothing needs to change. If it is high, we repeat it with free T4 before deciding, because a single mild result can settle on its own. We set your exact target with you, from your own results.
Fertility hormone tests, including thyroid04Does a mildly high TSH need treatment?
A mildly high TSH with normal thyroid hormone is called subclinical hypothyroidism, and whether to treat it depends on your history.
We decide case by case, especially if you have thyroid antibodies, past miscarriages or are starting IVF. Treatment is a low dose and is simple to stop. [CONFIRM: Dr Vani's threshold]
Honest note
Large trials have not shown that treating a mildly raised TSH improves the chance of pregnancy or a live birth. ASRM (2024) does not recommend routine treatment; the American Thyroid Association (2026) supports low-dose treatment once the result is confirmed. (What the evidence says)
05What changes when I get pregnant?
If you take thyroxine, the dose usually needs to go up as soon as the pregnancy test is positive, and TSH is checked again early.
The baby depends on your thyroid hormone in the first weeks. Tell us the day your test is positive; do not wait for the first scan. With an overactive thyroid, your level should be stable before you try, and some medicines are changed around conception. After radioiodine treatment, wait the time your doctor advises before trying.
Honest note
Lifestyle, led by a healthy weight. Then smoking, alcohol, about seven hours of sleep, stress, folic acid, and correcting thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure and vitamin D. (Dr Vani Sundarapandian, Medical Director)
Does this sound like you?
If any of these fit, check your thyroid before the next cycle.
- I take thyroxine and we're trying
- My periods are irregular
- My TSH was 'a little high'
- Thyroid problems run in my family
- I've had a miscarriage
- I was treated for an overactive thyroid
Thyroid normal but periods still irregular? The cause is often elsewhere.
What we do, in order.
- 1
Test
TSH and free T4; antibodies where they would change the plan.
- 2
Correct
Start or adjust tablets, then recheck in a few weeks until the level is where we want it.
- 3
Then treat the fertility problem
Ovulation tablets, IUI or IVF, as your other tests decide.
- 4
Recheck in pregnancy
Dose raised when the test is positive, TSH checked again early.
Your first visit
1
Talk
Your periods, symptoms, thyroid history and the dose you take.
2
Test
TSH and free T4, with the usual fertility tests for both of you.
3
Plan
Your target level, and when fertility treatment can start.
4
Treat
Correct the thyroid first, then the fertility plan, with checks in pregnancy.
Questions patients ask
Still unsure? Ask us on WhatsApp — a real person replies.
Can I get pregnant with hypothyroidism?
Yes, most women with an underactive thyroid get pregnant once it is treated. Thyroxine tablets bring the level back to normal, and then ovulation often settles.
What TSH level is good for getting pregnant?
For women on thyroxine, the aim is a TSH in the lower part of the normal range before trying. If you are not on treatment and your TSH is normal, nothing needs to change.
Should I increase my thyroxine when I find out I'm pregnant?
Usually yes, the need for thyroxine rises early in pregnancy, so tell your doctor the day your test is positive. Do not change the dose yourself without advice.
Does thyroid affect IVF?
An uncorrected thyroid problem can affect egg release, implantation and early pregnancy, so we correct it before IVF starts. Once it is in range, it should not hold IVF back.
Can I get pregnant with an overactive thyroid?
Yes, but it is safest to have your level stable before trying, because an untreated overactive thyroid raises pregnancy risks. Some medicines are changed around conception, which we plan with you.
Does thyroid affect male fertility?
Severe thyroid disease can affect sperm and sex drive in men, but it is a less common cause. A semen analysis is part of every first round of tests anyway.
In their words, not ours.
Geetha M.
· Google
She prescribes only the very necessary investigations and medications, maintaining high standards and ethics.
JOURNAL
How long to try before seeing a doctor
When to get checked, by age.
TESTHormone tests, including thyroid
TSH, free T4, prolactin, and what the numbers mean.
TREATMENTOvulation induction
Tablets and scans, once the thyroid is in range.
TREATMENTTREATMENT · Started only when your thyroid level is ready.
Started only when your thyroid level is ready.
Check it once. Start with it right.
Send us your last TSH result and your dose, if you have them. A real person from Dr Vani's team replies on WhatsApp, usually within minutes during clinic hours (Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm. Sunday closed.).