Hidden Thyroid Disorders Emerging as Major Cause of Infertility, Miscarriages Among Urban Women: Bengaluru Expert
Bengaluru, May 21: Thyroid disorders are increasingly emerging as a hidden yet treatable cause behind infertility, irregular menstrual cycles and recurrent miscarriages among urban women, according to Bengaluru-based gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr. Vidya V Bhat.
Dr. Bhat, who is also the Medical Director of Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital, said a growing number of women in their late 20s and 30s are experiencing reproductive health complications linked to undiagnosed thyroid imbalances.
Drawing from over 35 years of experience in women’s healthcare and fertility treatment, she observed that lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary routines, unhealthy eating habits and rising obesity levels are contributing to the increasing prevalence of thyroid-related disorders in metro cities like Bengaluru.
“Many women seek fertility treatment after years of failed conception attempts or repeated miscarriages without realising that thyroid imbalance could be the root cause,” Dr. Bhat said. “Despite being a small gland, the thyroid plays a critical role in regulating hormones, ovulation, menstrual health, pregnancy and fetal development.”
According to her, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can adversely affect fertility by disrupting ovulation, reducing egg quality, delaying implantation and causing menstrual irregularities. If left untreated, thyroid dysfunction may also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
She noted that symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight fluctuations, hair fall, anxiety, mood swings, disturbed sleep and low energy are often dismissed as stress-related issues, especially among working women, resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Dr. Bhat also highlighted the growing overlap between thyroid disorders and conditions such as PCOS, which can further complicate fertility management. Despite the high incidence of thyroid disorders among Indian women, awareness about its impact on reproductive health remains limited, she added.
Rejecting the common misconception that women with thyroid disorders cannot conceive naturally, Dr. Bhat said timely diagnosis, medication, regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can significantly improve fertility outcomes and support healthy pregnancies.
She cautioned that untreated thyroid conditions during pregnancy may increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages, premature delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and developmental issues in babies, particularly during the first trimester when the fetus depends on maternal thyroid hormones for brain development.
Dr. Bhat stressed the need for routine thyroid screening as part of fertility assessments and preconception counselling, especially for women with irregular periods, PCOS, previous miscarriages or a family history of thyroid disorders.
She also urged younger women to prioritise hormonal health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management and maintaining a healthy body weight.
With infertility cases rising steadily in urban India, experts believe that greater awareness and early detection of thyroid disorders could help many couples identify treatable causes of infertility and improve reproductive health outcomes.
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