can graves disease cause infertility?

[belle1952]

Hi, My partner of 4 years was diagnosed with graves with an overactive thyroid about 2 years ago.He also has thyroid eye disease and iritis.About 6 years ago after trying for a baby for 1 year he had a sperm count test and was told there was a very slim chance he could conceive.He had another sperm count test done just after he was diagnosed with graves disease and took the results to his new GP and was told there was activity but it was very low.We are confused about if it has anything to do with the overactive thyroid and if there is explanations or answers?? PLEASE HELP!!!!
Many Thanks Kerry

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Hyperthyroidism may decrease sperm count.  Would recommend endocrine eval/treatment to normalize thyroid then repeat sperm count.  It may be an unrelated issue as the initial documentation of low sperm count pre-dated the diagnosis of his thyroid disease from what you describe.

[fisherwife]

I hope you get an answer soon.  I wish I knew if Graves has an effect on fertility.  It has a lot to do with metabolism which seems to involve almost everything else.  Good luck!