Thyroid dysfunction — even mild subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >2.5 mIU/L) — can impair ovulation, reduce egg quality, prevent implantation, and increase miscarriage risk. Before starting IVF, TSH should ideally be below 2.5 mIU/L. At Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, we routinely test and optimise thyroid function before any fertility treatment. Call 97059 93366.
Thyroid & Fertility in Hyderabad — How TSH Affects Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
Thyroid problems are one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of difficulty getting pregnant in Hyderabad. Even a "borderline" TSH above 2.5 mIU/L can quietly block ovulation, reduce egg quality, and lower your IVF success rate. The good news: once identified and treated, thyroid-related infertility responds well. Here is everything you need to know before your IVF journey.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy
MBBS, DGO, PG Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany
20+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
How Thyroid Hormones Affect Female Fertility
The thyroid gland — a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — produces hormones that regulate virtually every system in your body, including your reproductive system. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the pituitary gland's signal to the thyroid. When TSH is too high, the thyroid is underperforming. When it is too low, the thyroid is overactive. Either direction disrupts the delicate hormonal environment needed to conceive.
Thyroid hormones directly influence the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), oestrogen, and progesterone — the four hormones that govern your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and uterine lining preparation. When thyroid function is off, this entire cascade is disrupted.
Hypothyroidism and Ovulation
Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid with a raised TSH — is the most common thyroid problem affecting fertility. When the thyroid is sluggish, the brain responds by increasing TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), which in turn raises prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin directly suppresses LH and FSH surges, preventing ovulation altogether. The result is anovulatory cycles — months where you have a period but no egg is actually released. Many women do not realise this is happening because the period still comes, just irregularly. Over time, hypothyroidism can create a picture that closely resembles PCOS — irregular cycles, elevated prolactin, thickened ovarian stroma — making the diagnosis confusing unless thyroid function is specifically tested.
Hyperthyroidism and Fertility
Hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid with a suppressed TSH — is less common but also disrupts fertility. Excess thyroid hormones increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which lowers free oestrogen levels and disrupts the normal follicular development cycle. Periods may become very light, very infrequent, or stop altogether. Hyperthyroidism also accelerates cellular metabolism in the ovaries, which can prematurely age the ovarian reserve and contribute to a lower AMH. Women with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism should stabilise their thyroid before starting IVF treatment, as proceeding during active hyperthyroidism significantly raises the risk of miscarriage and ovarian hyperstimulation.
Thyroid Antibodies (Anti-TPO) — The Hidden Threat
Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of thyroid and fertility is the role of thyroid antibodies — particularly anti-TPO (anti-thyroid peroxidase) antibodies. These are markers of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system gradually attacks the thyroid gland. The critical point: anti-TPO antibodies raise miscarriage risk even when TSH is perfectly normal. Studies show that women with positive anti-TPO antibodies have double the miscarriage risk compared to antibody-negative women, regardless of TSH level. The current hypothesis is that the autoimmune activation that produces these antibodies also disturbs the uterine immune environment, making implantation more precarious and early pregnancy more vulnerable. At Mother Hospitals, we test anti-TPO antibodies as a routine part of our pre-IVF workup — not just TSH.
TSH Target Before IVF — What the Evidence Says
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2017 guidelines — the most widely adopted international reference for thyroid and reproductive medicine — recommend that TSH should be below 2.5 mIU/L before starting IVF. This is stricter than the standard laboratory "normal range" of 0.4–4.5, which was established for the general population — not for women trying to conceive.
The reason for this stricter target is that TSH rises naturally during ovarian stimulation and in early pregnancy. If you start at a TSH of 3.8 mIU/L, the stimulation phase alone may push it to 5 or 6 — a level that significantly impairs implantation. Starting from a lower, optimised baseline gives you a much safer buffer. Multiple studies have shown that achieving a TSH below 2.5 before IVF improves clinical pregnancy rates and reduces early pregnancy loss.
| TSH Level (mIU/L) | Effect on Fertility | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Below 1.0 | Optimal range for conception and IVF | ✓ Ideal |
| 1.0 – 2.5 | Excellent fertility window — best IVF outcomes | ✓ Good |
| 2.5 – 4.5 | Subclinical range — reduced IVF success, raised miscarriage risk | ⚠ Treat before IVF |
| 4.5 – 10 | Overt hypothyroidism — blocks ovulation, prevents implantation | ✗ Must treat first |
| Above 10 | Severe hypothyroidism — IVF should not proceed | ✗ Stabilise first |
| Below 0.4 | Hyperthyroidism — disrupts cycles, raises OHSS risk in IVF | ✗ Specialist review |
Reference: American Thyroid Association 2017 Guidelines for Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and Postpartum.
3.2 is within the laboratory normal range — but it is above the fertility target of 2.5. For IVF, this distinction matters. We would typically start low-dose levothyroxine to bring your TSH below 2.5 before beginning stimulation. This single optimisation step can meaningfully improve your chances of success.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism and IVF
Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as a TSH between 2.5 and 10 mIU/L with a normal Free T4. The word "subclinical" can be misleading — it implies the condition is minor or not worth treating. In the context of IVF, this is far from true.
Women with subclinical hypothyroidism have measurably lower IVF success rates compared to women with TSH below 2.5. The effects are multiple: egg quality is subtly reduced, the uterine lining may be less receptive, and early embryo development is impaired because embryonic cells depend on maternal thyroid hormones during the first trimester before the foetal thyroid becomes active. Research consistently shows implantation failure and first-trimester miscarriage rates are significantly higher when TSH is above 2.5 at the time of embryo transfer.
The treatment is straightforward: low-dose levothyroxine (thyroxine), taken once daily before food. Even a small dose — 25 mcg or 50 mcg — is often enough to bring TSH below the target. The medication is safe, inexpensive, and has no meaningful side effects at these doses. We typically recheck TSH after 4–6 weeks to confirm the target has been reached before proceeding with IVF stimulation.
One important nuance: many women with subclinical hypothyroidism have no symptoms at all. They feel completely well. This is why routine TSH testing before IVF — not just testing if symptoms are present — is essential. At Mother Hospitals, TSH is part of our standard pre-IVF blood panel for every patient.
Thyroid Tests You Need Before Starting IVF
Not all thyroid tests are equal, and a single TSH result — while important — does not tell the whole story. Here is what each test measures and why it matters for your fertility.
TSH — First-Line, Most Important
TSH is the single most important thyroid test for fertility assessment. It is the pituitary gland's measure of how hard it is working to stimulate the thyroid — so a high TSH means the thyroid is struggling (hypothyroidism), and a low TSH means the thyroid is overperforming (hyperthyroidism). For IVF, the target is below 2.5 mIU/L. TSH should be done fasting, in the morning, for the most accurate result. It is the test to repeat after starting levothyroxine to confirm dose adequacy.
Free T4 (fT4)
Free T4 is the active circulating thyroid hormone that the body uses. Checking fT4 alongside TSH helps distinguish subclinical from overt hypothyroidism. If TSH is elevated but fT4 is normal, you have subclinical hypothyroidism. If TSH is elevated and fT4 is low, you have overt hypothyroidism — which requires more aggressive treatment before IVF. Free T4 is also useful during levothyroxine treatment to confirm the medication is working correctly and not overcorrecting.
Anti-TPO Antibodies
Anti-TPO (anti-thyroid peroxidase) antibodies are the marker of Hashimoto's thyroiditis — an autoimmune attack on the thyroid. As discussed, positive anti-TPO antibodies double miscarriage risk even when TSH is normal. This is why we test for them in every patient — not just those with elevated TSH. Knowing your antibody status changes our management: women with positive anti-TPO antibodies are more likely to be offered low-dose levothyroxine even with a normal TSH, and are monitored more closely during the stimulation and early pregnancy phases. Anti-TPO is also linked to a higher risk of implantation failure, and some protocols add low-dose aspirin or other immune support in antibody-positive patients.
Free T3 (when needed)
Free T3 is the most biologically active thyroid hormone. It is not routinely tested in every patient but becomes important when TSH is suppressed (suspected hyperthyroidism), when a patient is on levothyroxine but symptoms persist despite a normal TSH (suggesting poor T4-to-T3 conversion), or in complex cases where hyperthyroidism is suspected but T4 is normal. Your doctor will advise whether fT3 is needed based on your initial results.
🧪 Pre-IVF Thyroid Panel at Mother Hospitals
How Thyroid Affects Egg Quality and Ovarian Reserve
Beyond ovulation disruption, thyroid dysfunction has a direct impact on the quality of the eggs themselves and on the size of your remaining ovarian reserve — measured by AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) and antral follicle count (AFC).
Thyroid hormone receptors are present in granulosa cells — the cells that surround and nourish each egg as it develops inside a follicle. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the granulosa cells do not function optimally. This impairs follicular development, reduces the quality of the oocyte (egg), and decreases the number of mature eggs that respond to stimulation during an IVF cycle. Research has linked hypothyroidism to reduced AMH levels, a lower antral follicle count, and a higher proportion of poor-quality embryos after fertilisation.
In women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (positive anti-TPO), the autoimmune inflammation may affect ovarian tissue directly, further reducing functional reserve. Some studies have found that anti-TPO-positive women have lower AMH values compared to antibody-negative women of the same age, even when TSH is normal — suggesting the autoimmune process itself is harmful to ovarian reserve independent of thyroid hormone levels.
The hopeful finding: treating hypothyroidism with levothyroxine can partially restore AMH and AFC in women whose low reserve was driven by thyroid dysfunction. If you have been told you have low AMH and you have not had a thyroid panel done, this is the first investigation to run. See our full guide on AMH testing in Hyderabad to understand what your AMH result means and how it guides IVF protocol design.
Absolutely possible. Before assuming your AMH reflects your true reserve, we would treat the hypothyroidism first — bring TSH below 2.5 for at least three months — and then recheck AMH. Some women see a meaningful improvement. Even if AMH does not rise significantly, your egg quality during IVF will improve substantially once thyroid function is normalised.
Thyroid and PCOS — A Frequent Double Problem
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and thyroid dysfunction — particularly Hashimoto's thyroiditis — are the two most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age in India. They co-exist at a surprisingly high rate: studies suggest that between 20–40% of women with PCOS also have positive anti-TPO antibodies or overt hypothyroidism.
The combination creates a particularly complex hormonal picture. Both conditions independently cause irregular periods and anovulation. Both elevate prolactin. Both can create an insulin-resistant state that worsens the other. PCOS drives up androgens (male hormones), while hypothyroidism makes the body more sensitive to androgens — so the two conditions together can produce more severe symptoms than either alone. The risk of implantation failure and early miscarriage is higher in women who have both conditions untreated.
There is also a diagnostic confusion risk: an underactive thyroid can produce a clinical picture that looks like PCOS — elevated prolactin, irregular periods, weight gain, ovarian cysts on ultrasound. Treating "PCOS" without first testing and treating thyroid function in these cases leads to poor outcomes. This is why at Mother Hospitals, thyroid testing is done before and alongside all PCOS treatment protocols.
For women with both conditions undergoing IVF, the sequence matters: control thyroid first, stabilise insulin sensitivity with metformin or inositol if needed, then proceed to stimulation. The freeze-all strategy — where all embryos are frozen and transferred in a later natural or programmed cycle — is often preferred in this group to avoid any residual stimulation effects on the uterine environment.
PCOS + Hashimoto's — Signs to Watch
- Irregular cycles despite being on metformin for PCOS
- Unexplained weight gain beyond typical PCOS weight
- Fatigue and brain fog not explained by PCOS alone
- Hair loss more than expected with PCOS
- Low AMH despite young age and multiple ovarian follicles
- Recurrent early pregnancy loss despite PCOS being "controlled"
Our Approach for PCOS + Thyroid
- Full thyroid panel (TSH, fT4, anti-TPO) before starting any treatment
- Treat hypothyroidism before commencing ovulation induction
- TSH brought below 2.5 before IVF stimulation begins
- Anti-TPO-positive patients monitored more closely post-transfer
- Freeze-all protocol often recommended — transfer in a calmer uterine environment
- Endocrinology referral for complex Hashimoto's + PCOS cases
Thyroid Treatment Before IVF
The treatment for thyroid-related fertility problems is usually straightforward and effective. Here is what it involves, how long it takes, and what happens during the IVF stimulation phase itself.
Levothyroxine (Thyroxine) — Dosing and Timing
Levothyroxine — also written as L-thyroxine or branded as Eltroxin, Thyronorm, or similar — is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone your thyroid should be producing. It is taken as a single tablet, first thing in the morning, at least 30–60 minutes before food. Food and certain supplements (calcium, iron, antacids) interfere with absorption and must be timed separately. Dose ranges from 25 mcg to 100+ mcg depending on baseline TSH and body weight. For subclinical hypothyroidism in fertility patients, starting doses of 25–50 mcg are typical. The dose is titrated upward every 4–6 weeks until TSH is below 2.5 mIU/L.
How Long Before IVF Should You Optimise Thyroid?
Once levothyroxine is started, TSH typically responds within 4–6 weeks, but the full biological effect on follicular development takes longer. We recommend achieving a stable TSH below 2.5 for at least 6–8 weeks before starting the IVF stimulation protocol. This means that if your TSH is identified as elevated at your first consultation, you should factor in approximately 2–3 months before IVF begins. This wait is worthwhile — the alternative of starting IVF with an unoptimised thyroid significantly reduces the chances of the cycle working. For anti-TPO-positive patients with normal TSH, we still recommend starting low-dose levothyroxine and confirming TSH remains suppressed before proceeding.
Monitoring TSH During Ovarian Stimulation
An important and often overlooked point: TSH naturally rises during ovarian stimulation. The gonadotropin injections used in IVF stimulation increase oestrogen levels significantly, which in turn stimulates the liver to produce more thyroid-binding globulin (TBG). More TBG means more thyroid hormone is bound and inactive — so effective free thyroid hormone levels drop, and TSH rises compensatorily. Studies have shown that TSH can increase by 1–3 mIU/L above baseline during stimulation. Women who start with a TSH of 2.0 may find their TSH rises to 4.0 or 5.0 by the day of egg retrieval. For this reason, we typically check TSH at the start of stimulation and may temporarily increase the levothyroxine dose, particularly in women with borderline TSH or positive anti-TPO antibodies, to prevent this shift from undermining the cycle.
Thyroid and Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage — defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses — affects approximately 1–2% of couples. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most important and treatable causes, yet it is still frequently missed in miscarriage investigations unless specifically requested.
Anti-TPO antibodies are particularly strongly associated with recurrent miscarriage. A landmark meta-analysis found that women with positive anti-TPO antibodies had a miscarriage rate approximately twice that of antibody-negative women — and this held true even in women with completely normal TSH values. The immune mechanisms are complex: anti-TPO antibodies are thought to be a marker of broader immune dysregulation that also affects uterine NK (natural killer) cells and the maternal tolerance of the embryo. The inflammatory environment created by ongoing autoimmunity makes the early placenta more vulnerable.
Overt hypothyroidism (TSH above 4.5) is also significantly associated with first-trimester miscarriage — the most common period of loss — partly because maternal thyroid hormones are the only source of thyroid support for the developing embryo in the first 10–12 weeks of pregnancy, before the foetal thyroid becomes functional. Even a modest inadequacy in maternal thyroid hormone supply during this critical window can impair embryo development and trigger loss.
The treatment evidence for anti-TPO-positive patients with recurrent miscarriage is encouraging: low-dose levothyroxine — even in women with normal TSH — appears to reduce miscarriage rates. In our practice, we offer this treatment to all anti-TPO-positive women with a history of miscarriage or implantation failure. For women with recurrent miscarriage, thyroid investigation is part of a comprehensive workup that also includes chromosomal analysis, thrombophilia screening, and uterine cavity assessment. Explore our full recurrent miscarriage treatment page for more details.
Thyroid After IVF Pregnancy
Getting pregnant after IVF is just the beginning of the thyroid management journey. The demands on the thyroid change dramatically from the moment of implantation.
In the first trimester, the rising beta-hCG hormone (the pregnancy hormone detected by the blood test) stimulates the thyroid directly — this can transiently lower TSH in some women, which is usually normal. However, for most women — particularly those on levothyroxine — the thyroid demand increases significantly because the growing embryo relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones until approximately 12 weeks. Most women on levothyroxine need a dose increase of 25–50 mcg as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, to prevent TSH from rising into a range that could harm early brain and neurological development.
This page focuses on thyroid's effect on getting pregnant and IVF outcomes. The full protocol for managing thyroid during pregnancy — trimester-specific TSH targets, dose adjustments, monitoring schedule, and postpartum thyroiditis — is covered in detail on our dedicated thyroid and pregnancy page. If you are already pregnant, please use that resource and ensure your next TSH test is booked immediately.
Male Fertility and Thyroid
Thyroid dysfunction in men is less common than in women, but it is a recognised and often overlooked cause of male factor infertility. When we investigate a couple for fertility problems, both partners should have thyroid function assessed — not just the female partner.
In men, thyroid hormones play a role in the production and maturation of sperm within the testes. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in men have been shown to reduce sperm motility (the ability of sperm to swim properly) and sperm morphology (the normal shape of sperm). Hypothyroid men tend to produce more sperm with abnormal head shapes and reduced progressive motility — the two parameters most important for natural fertilisation and ICSI outcome. The mechanism is thought to involve thyroid hormone receptors in Sertoli cells (the "nurse cells" that support sperm development) and in Leydig cells (which produce testosterone).
Hyperthyroidism in men is associated with elevated SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), which lowers free testosterone. This impairs the hormonal signalling needed for healthy spermatogenesis. Men with hyperthyroidism may also have reduced semen volume and sperm count. The good news: in most cases, treating the thyroid condition — with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid medication for hyperthyroidism — leads to a meaningful improvement in semen parameters within 3–6 months. For couples where the male partner has unexplained abnormal semen analysis, TSH testing is a simple, low-cost investigation that should not be missed.
Why Mother Hospitals for Thyroid-Fertility Care?
At Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal, thyroid optimisation is a standard part of every patient's fertility journey — not an afterthought.
🩺 Routine Thyroid Screening
TSH, Free T4, and Anti-TPO antibodies are tested before every IVF cycle — not only when symptoms are present. We catch subclinical problems that standard GP workups miss.
🎯 TSH Optimisation Before Stimulation
We do not start IVF until TSH is confirmed below 2.5 mIU/L. This single step makes a measurable difference to your cycle outcome and reduces early pregnancy loss.
🔬 Anti-TPO Protocol
Anti-TPO-positive patients receive targeted management — low-dose thyroxine even with normal TSH, additional luteal phase support, and closer monitoring post-transfer.
🤝 Endocrinology Coordination
Complex thyroid cases — Graves' disease, post-thyroidectomy, severe Hashimoto's — are managed in coordination with an endocrinologist. Your fertility and thyroid care are aligned, not siloed.
📊 TSH Monitoring During Stimulation
We check TSH at stimulation start and adjust levothyroxine doses proactively, recognising that stimulation itself can push TSH upward. Your thyroid does not fall off our radar mid-cycle.
🏆 20+ Years of Experience
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy has over 20 years of experience in reproductive medicine and has helped 10,000+ families. Thyroid-related fertility problems are a core part of her clinical expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from patients at Mother Hospitals about thyroid and fertility.
What TSH level is needed for IVF?+
According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2017 guidelines, TSH should be below 2.5 mIU/L before starting IVF. This is stricter than the standard laboratory normal range (0.4–4.5 mIU/L) because ovarian stimulation itself can raise TSH, and because early embryo development depends critically on adequate maternal thyroid hormone levels. At Mother Hospitals, we do not start IVF until TSH is confirmed below 2.5 on a levothyroxine-adjusted dose if required.
Can hypothyroidism prevent pregnancy?+
Yes. Hypothyroidism raises prolactin levels, which suppresses the LH surge needed for ovulation. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur naturally. Even when ovulation does happen, hypothyroidism reduces egg quality, impairs uterine lining development, and increases the risk of implantation failure and early miscarriage. The good news: treating hypothyroidism with levothyroxine — bringing TSH below 2.5 — directly addresses all of these mechanisms and substantially improves natural and IVF conception rates.
Is subclinical hypothyroidism treated before IVF?+
Yes — at Mother Hospitals, we treat subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 2.5–10 with normal Free T4) before starting IVF. Multiple studies have confirmed that women with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism have significantly lower IVF success rates and higher miscarriage rates. Treatment involves a low dose of levothyroxine (25–50 mcg typically) taken once daily before food. TSH is rechecked after 4–6 weeks to confirm the target has been reached before stimulation begins.
How long does it take for thyroxine to work?+
TSH typically begins to respond within 4–6 weeks of starting levothyroxine. However, reaching the target TSH below 2.5 may require one or two dose adjustments, each separated by 4–6 weeks. In total, allow 2–3 months from starting levothyroxine to achieving a stable, confirmed TSH in the target range. We use this time productively — completing the rest of the pre-IVF workup (semen analysis, uterine assessment, etc.) so that when the thyroid is optimised, you are ready to begin immediately.
Can I do IVF with thyroid problems?+
Yes — thyroid problems do not prevent you from doing IVF. They need to be identified and managed before IVF begins, but once thyroid function is optimised, your IVF outcomes can be comparable to women without thyroid conditions. We see many patients with Hashimoto's, subclinical hypothyroidism, and treated overt hypothyroidism who achieve successful pregnancies after IVF at Mother Hospitals. The key is not to proceed without addressing the thyroid first.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism?+
Overt hypothyroidism means TSH is above 4.5 mIU/L AND Free T4 is below normal. It typically causes clear symptoms — fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, irregular periods. Subclinical hypothyroidism means TSH is elevated (above 2.5 for fertility purposes, or above 4.5 for general health purposes) but Free T4 is still within normal range. Symptoms may be absent or very mild. Despite being "subclinical," this condition still significantly impacts IVF outcomes and requires treatment before fertility treatment begins.
Do thyroid antibodies affect IVF success?+
Yes. Anti-TPO antibodies (the marker of Hashimoto's thyroiditis) negatively affect IVF success even when TSH is completely normal. Women with positive anti-TPO antibodies have approximately double the miscarriage rate of antibody-negative women. They also have higher rates of implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss. Management at Mother Hospitals includes low-dose levothyroxine for antibody-positive patients (even with normal TSH), additional luteal phase support after embryo transfer, and closer monitoring in early pregnancy.
Can treating thyroid improve my AMH?+
In some women, yes. If low AMH is partly caused by hypothyroidism — which impairs granulosa cell function and can reduce ovarian reserve — treating the thyroid with levothyroxine and bringing TSH into the optimal range can lead to a measurable rise in AMH over 3–6 months. The improvement is variable and not guaranteed, but it is well documented in women with hypothyroidism-related low AMH. This is why we always test thyroid before interpreting AMH results and before labelling a patient as a "poor responder." See our AMH guide and low AMH treatment page for more.
Should my husband's thyroid be tested too?+
Yes, particularly if semen analysis shows reduced sperm motility or abnormal morphology. Thyroid dysfunction in men — both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism — impairs sperm production and quality. Hypothyroid men often have reduced sperm motility and more abnormally shaped sperm. Testing TSH in the male partner is a simple, inexpensive investigation that can uncover a treatable cause of male factor infertility. At Mother Hospitals, we recommend TSH testing for both partners as part of a comprehensive fertility workup.
Does thyroid treatment need to continue during pregnancy?+
Yes — absolutely. Levothyroxine must continue throughout pregnancy. In fact, the dose almost always needs to increase by 25–50% from the moment pregnancy is confirmed, because the developing embryo relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Stopping or reducing levothyroxine during pregnancy can cause serious harm to foetal neurological development. We monitor TSH every 4–6 weeks during the first trimester and adjust accordingly. Full details are on our thyroid and pregnancy page.
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Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624