Thyroid problems affecting fertility?

[teambojangles]

I had TSH and FT4 tested at gp back at the start and both were within the normal range. We had a consultation with a private clinic re IVF and the consultant told us about the link between thyroid problems and infertility. It now looks like I may have thyroid problems and I just wondered if anyone else had come across this?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi teambojangles. An underactive thyroid gland can cause problems with ovulation. However, once the correct dosage of thyroxin tablets are given you, it should get ovulation back on course. As you have had two conflicting opinions on whether you thyroid is a problem or not, you need to get this clarified. Should it be a real problem, then you may get referred to an endocrinologist (specialist in hormones) for further investigations. Obviously, all your hormones need to be at the right levels to be able to get pregnant, but once sorted, all should be OK, unless you have any other underlying problem. Diane

[teambojangles]

Thanks very much for your response Diane.

I have another appointment with my gp on Monday and I'm going to ask for a referral. I know he was reluctant previously because the results were within the normal range but Im hoping that he'll take the opinion of the fertility specialist in to account.

I also have been told before that I have PCOS and I know that there are also links with this and fertility/ thyroid problems.

Fingers crosed that they'll help!

Julie

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to teambojangles]

Hi. I'm sure they will. There are a few drug treatment they can try first if you suffer from PCOS, so maybe one could be right for you. Diane