• 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

Fertility Nutrition

Can Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism Affect Fertility?

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist
September 7, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Do you know someone or have you been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (high thyroid)? Like hypothyroidism (low thyroid), hyperthyroidism can affect fertility chances for both men and women. While not as common as low thyroid, hyperthyroidism affects 2-3% of the population at some point in their lives. Solving thyroid problems before conceiving is more important than you think!

Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder where the thyroid overproduces hormones, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes many symptoms, tends to run in families, and is more common in women than men. Additionally, some people with thyroid problems flip between low and high thyroid levels, adding more complexity to the problem.

While hyperthyroidism requires medical treatment, natural therapies can be considered to ease symptoms and improve fertility. For your best health, it’s important to work with guidance from a qualified health professional if you’ve been diagnosed.

Thyroid hormone testing is necessary to find out for sure, but here are hyperthyroidism symptoms to watch for:

  • Thyroid nodules (goiter); swollen thyroid
  • Bulging or prominent eyes (Graves Orbitopathy)
  • Menstrual cycle changes: short menstrual cycle (less than 5 days), irregular cycles, light cycles or cycles that are far apart
  • Low sperm count/low testosterone
  • High metabolic rate/sweating
  • Racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia/mood swings/irritability
  • Unexplained weight loss/diarrhea
  • Bone loss/osteoporosis
  • Family history of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism & Your Fertility

Hyperthyroidism decreases conception chances in a few ways. In men, hyperthyroidism can lower sperm count and testosterone. It increases the risk for ED (erectile dysfunction). In women, it can lead to irregular cycles and affect ovulation. Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is serious because it increases the risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia or preterm birth.

If you have hyperthyroidism and plan to conceive, work closely with your doctor to make sure your thyroid levels are properly managed. Having a healthy thyroid improves your chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

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

Natural Options for Thyroid Balance

Natural therapies can be explored for symptom relief and improved fertility if you have hyperthyroidism, but it is important to continue thyroid monitoring and to have guidance from your doctor or other qualified health practitioners for long term recovery.

Dietary triggers worsen autoimmune thyroid reactions:

  • Watch dietary iodine. Iodine aggravates hyperthyroidism by stimulating thyroid hormone production. Early research links hyperthyroidism to excessive iodine intake in people with preexisting thyroid disease. Limit or avoid iodine-enriched foods like salt, bread and dairy products; and foods high in organic iodine like fish and seaweed.
  • Consider eliminating gluten and get tested for celiac disease. 2012 research published in Polish Journal of Endocrinology finds there is a higher incidence of celiac disease in people who have autoimmune thyroid problems. A report published in BMJ Case Reports suggests untreated celiac disease could make thyroid problems less responsive to medical management. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, following a gluten-free diet is the best way to encourage better gut and thyroid health. Learn more: Can a Gluten-Free Diet Improve Fertility?
  • Eat calcium and magnesium-rich foods like almonds, dark leafy greens, carrots, legumes, avocado and broccoli for bone health. Graves’ disease makes it harder for the body to absorb bone-building minerals. Add Coral Calcium or another calcium/magnesium supplement for extra bone health support.
  • Ask your doctor about selenium therapy. Research finds selenium improves quality of life, slows the progression of thyroid eye disease (Graves Orbitopathy), and improves outcomes for eye health. Today, the European Thyroid Association recommends a six-month trial of selenium supplementation for people with thyroid eye disease. The safe upper limit dosage for an adult is 400mcg daily (including from food sources). Have your selenium levels evaluated and ask your doctor about the best dosage for your needs.

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

Calm symptoms with herbs. Try gentle teas or high-quality herbal extracts as directed for the best results.

  • Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)- helps relax the heart, ease stress reactions and insomnia.
  • Bugleweed (Ajuga virginicus)- supports normal thyroid function; may help prevent thyroid antibodies from binding to the thyroid.
  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)- supports normal thyroid function; decreases anxiety and sleeplessness.

Rebalance Thyroid Health- Restore Fertility

Having hyperthyroidism can be disrupting to your fertility efforts, but effective treatment options (natural and medical) are available. For some people, hyperthyroidism is a lifelong issue. For others, it’s a transient problem, lasting only a few years. Find out about all your choices for support. Work with your doctor if you suspect hyperthyroidism is affecting your health and fertility.

References

  • Common Signs Indicating Hyperthyroidism. (2019). Retrieved from: https://healthprep.com/articles/conditions/8-signs-you-may-have-hyperthyroidism/
  • Hyperthyroidism and Getting Pregnant. (2018, May). Retrieved from: https://www.shecares.com/pregnancy/conditions/hyperthyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism & Fertility. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.parenting.com/article/hyperthyroidism-fertility
  • 3 Herbs Which Can Help With Hyperthyroidism. (2012, Aug.). Retrieved from: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/3-herbs-which-can-help-with-hyperthyroidism/
  • Auf’mkolk M et al. (1985, May). Extracts and auto-oxidized constituents of certain plants inhibit the receptor-binding and the biological activity of Graves’ immunoglobulins. Endocrinology; 116(5):1687-93. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2985357
  • Meyers, Amy, MD. (2019). 5 Causes of Graves Disease and 5 Solutions for It. Retrieved from: https://www.amymyersmd.com/2018/07/5-causes-graves-disease-5-solutions/
  • Male Specific Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/hyperthyroidism-in-men#Male-specific-symptoms-of-hyperthyroidism
  • Joshi et al. (2014, Oct.). Graves’ disease and coeliac disease: screening and treatment dilemmas. BMJ Case Rep. pii: bcr2013201386. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201386. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25342186
  • Miskiewicz, Piotr et al. (2012). Coeliac Disease in endocrine disease of autoimmune origin. Polish Journal of Endocrinology; Volume 63; Number 3. Retrieved from: https://journals.viamedica.pl/endokrynologia_polska/article/viewFile/25176/20005
  • Shomon, M. (2019, March). What To Know About Selenium and Your Thyroid. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/selenium-and-your-thyroid-4134998

« Previous Post
4 Male Fertility Concerns Men Should Not Ignore
Next Post »
Wholesome Fertility Podcast with Michelle Oravitz & Elizabeth Willett

About the Author

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to empowering women with to take control of their health with natural therapies.

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 29

Open
Q: Will the Fertility Cleanse bring back a missing period?
​
​Swipe through the slides for our answer...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 27

Open
I believe things are placed on our hearts for a reason, not because we are supposed to suffer without them. While the journey to the outcome may not look exactly how we imagined, know that if it is in your heart, you can accomplish it. Just be open to the journey.

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.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us