• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Men's Fertility

Fertility Health: The Link Between the Thyroid and Digestion

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist
September 7, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

In today’s world, many people struggle with thyroid problems along with digestive issues. When struggling with infertility, it’s important to understand that thyroid health affects fertility. Thyroid health is intertwined with gut health and other facets of fertility health like libido, basal body temperature and menstrual cycle regularity, to name a few.

While medication may be necessary to treat a thyroid problem, for long-term recovery, it’s vital to address digestive health, which is involved in thyroid hormone production. What’s promising is that, for some people, dietary changes and improvements in gut health could even decrease their need for thyroid medication and help promote natural fertility.

Learn How To Support Your Thyroid Naturally With My Thyroid Mini-Course

  • Learn how to support your thyroid naturally with nutrition, supplements and plants.
  • Know how to tell whether your thyroid, endocrine system or/and adrenals needs support
  • Self-care therapies to support your thyroid and endocrine system

What’s Up With The Gut?

Today, the low fiber, processed foods’ diet many people follow sets the stage for all types of digestive concerns like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or constipation. Common medications like antibiotics, steroids or anti-fungal drugs also put stress on normal digestion.

If you have a thyroid problem, healthy digestion can be even more challenging. Thyroid problems can both cause and worsen digestive issues like constipation, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and imbalanced stomach acid production.

Some of the research on gut health and the thyroid:

  • 2014 research reveals there may be a link between low thyroid activity and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
  • A 1968 study published in Endocrine Research shows the gut is involved in both T3 and T4 production.
  • 1988 research published in Life Sciences finds T3 and T4 help protect the intestinal lining from ulcers.
  • Thyroid experts estimate that around 20% of thyroid function depends on the conversion of T4 into the more active T3 form in the gut microbiome.

The Leaky Gut Link to Hashimoto’s disease

Gut health could play a crucial role in the development of Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism, which counts for 80% of hypothyroidism cases today. Excessive inflammation and Leaky Gut Syndrome often trigger autoimmune problems like Hashimoto’s.

Leaky Gut Syndrome causes the intestinal wall to become too permeable, allowing proteins to slip into the bloodstream. Once proteins hit the bloodstream, the immune system launches an attack. Over time, this causes excessive inflammation and could lead to a full-blown autoimmune reaction.

If you have Hashimoto’s, normalizing the GI tract and eliminating food sensitivities could be a key to solving your problem for good.

The Celiac Disease Connection to Hypothyroidism

Aviva Romm M.D. reports that 10% of people with Celiac disease also have hypothyroidism. Eliminating gluten from the diet can help solve Celiac disease and promote normal thyroid levels. If you’ve recently gone gluten-free and are using thyroid medications, having a thyroid hormone panel run may be a good idea to make sure your medication doesn’t need to be adjusted.

Fertility and thyroid health depend on a healthy gut!
Gut health affects all facets of our health, even the thyroid gland and your fertility. Even if your digestion seems normal, it’s wise to take extra measures to encourage healthy GI function if you’re dealing with a fertility concern or a thyroid problem. For some people, the only signs of a gut problem may be inflammation or an autoimmune problem.

If you have hypothyroidism, work on your digestion to help normalize hormone production and promote natural fertility. Most people begin to see improvements in 3-6 months after consistent diet and lifestyle changes.

Click here to learn more about a nutritional and herbal supplement for thyroid health…

Learn how to promote gut health and normal microbiome:
Gut Health and the Microbiome Connection To Optimum Fertility
Video: Healthy Digestion for Fertility

References

  • Good Thyroid Health Depends on Good Gut Health. (2017). Dr. K News. Retrieved from: https://drknews.com/good-thyroid-health-depends-on-good-gut-health/
  • Romm, A. (2017). The Gut-Thyroid Connection: 4 Steps For Breaking The Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Cycle. Aviva Romm MD. Retrieved from: https://avivaromm.com/gut-thyroid-connection/
  • Patil, A. (2014). Link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 18(3), 307. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.131155. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056127/
  • Hays, M.T. (1988). Thyroid hormone and the gut. Endocrine Research;14(2-3):203-24. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3049061
  • Hernandez, D. E., Walker, C. H., & Mason, G. A. (1988). Influence of thyroid states on stress gastric ulcer formation. Life Sciences, 42(18), 1757-1764. doi:10.1016/0024-3205(88)90042-2. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0024320588900422?via%3Dihub
  • Kresser, C. (2016, March). Your Gut Microbes and Your Thyroid: What’s the Connection. Chris Kresser. Retrieved from: https://chriskresser.com/your-gut-microbes-and-your-thyroid-whats-the-connection/
  • Teta, Ji. (2017). The Gut Thyroid Connection. Jillian Teta. Retrieved from: https://jillianteta.com/thyroidhealth/

« Previous Post
Top 5 Reasons to Start Making Fertility Smoothies Today!
Next Post »
His & Hers Fertility Smoothies

About the Author

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She's the Co-Author of "Healthy Healing" with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary's College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us