Bloomberg Chiropractic Center & Fortify I.V.

09/14/2026

WE OFFER BOTH!!

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

The Thyroid–Fertility Connection: What Your Thyroid Has to Do With Reproductive Health
When couples are struggling to conceive, the focus often turns toward reproductive hormones, ovulation, s***m health, or ovarian function. But there is another important player that deserves attention: the thyroid. Your thyroid may be small, but thyroid hormones influence metabolism, energy production, menstrual cycles, ovulation, and many of the hormonal signals involved in reproduction. At Bloomberg Chiropractic Center, our functional medicine approach looks beyond a single lab value to understand how different systems of the body may be interacting—including thyroid and reproductive health.
How Does the Thyroid Affect Fertility?
Thyroid hormones interact closely with the brain and reproductive system through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. When thyroid function is significantly abnormal, it can disrupt the hormonal signals necessary for normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. Thyroid dysfunction may contribute to:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Problems with ovulation
Changes in reproductive hormone balance
Elevated prolactin
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Increased risk of miscarriage in certain circumstances
Pregnancy complications when thyroid disease is not adequately controlled
The relationship is particularly important because thyroid problems can sometimes be subtle. A person may have symptoms for months—or years—before recognizing that thyroid function could be part of the picture.
Hypothyroidism and Fertility
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is one of the most commonly discussed thyroid conditions in relation to fertility. When thyroid hormone production is insufficient, the body may have difficulty maintaining normal reproductive signaling. More significant hypothyroidism can interfere with ovulation and menstrual regularity. Hypothyroidism can also increase prolactin in some individuals. Elevated prolactin can interfere with the hormonal signals responsible for ovulation.
The good news is that overt hypothyroidism is treatable, and appropriate thyroid management is an important part of optimizing health before and during pregnancy.
What About Hashimoto's and Thyroid Antibodies?
Thyroid health isn't just about hormone levels. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the thyroid. Two commonly measured markers are:
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO antibodies)
Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg antibodies)
Some women have positive thyroid antibodies while their TSH and thyroid hormone levels remain within the laboratory reference range. Research has found an association between thyroid autoimmunity and certain fertility and pregnancy outcomes. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that thyroid antibodies themselves are the cause of infertility. It's also important to understand that positive thyroid antibodies do not automatically mean thyroid medication is necessary. Treatment decisions should be based on the entire clinical picture rather than an antibody result alone.
What About a "Normal" TSH?
This is where thyroid testing can become confusing. TSH is an important thyroid marker, but one number doesn't tell the entire story. You may have heard that a TSH above 2.5 automatically means someone will have difficulty becoming pregnant. That's not supported by current evidence. Mild variations in TSH need to be interpreted in context—including thyroid hormone levels, thyroid antibodies, menstrual history, symptoms, pregnancy status, and whether someone is undergoing fertility treatment. In other words:
Don't treat a number. Understand the person behind the number.
Hyperthyroidism Can Affect Fertility Too
Thyroid problems aren't always caused by too little thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, occurs when the body has excessive thyroid hormone activity. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can also affect menstrual and reproductive function and may increase certain risks during pregnancy. This is another reason why identifying and appropriately managing thyroid dysfunction before pregnancy is important.
Looking Beyond TSH
When thyroid health may be contributing to reproductive concerns, a clinician may consider additional testing based on the individual's symptoms and history. Depending on the situation, testing may include:
TSH
The primary screening marker used to assess thyroid function.
Free T4
Helps determine the amount of circulating thyroid hormone available to tissues.
Free T3
May provide additional information in selected situations.
TPO and Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Can help identify thyroid autoimmunity.
Other laboratory testing may also be appropriate depending on the individual, including prolactin, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, and reproductive hormones.
The goal isn't to order every test available. The goal is to identify the tests that can help answer the right clinical questions.
The Bigger Picture: Thyroid, Metabolism and Fertility
Fertility is rarely about one isolated system. Thyroid function interacts with many aspects of health, including:
Blood sugar and insulin regulation
Body composition
Nutritional status
Stress physiology
Sleep
Reproductive hormones
Inflammation
Autoimmune activity
Gut and overall metabolic health
For example, conditions such as PCOS can involve both metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, making it particularly important to look at the whole picture rather than focusing on a single hormone.
What Should You Do If You're Having Trouble Conceiving?
If you're experiencing infertility, irregular cycles, recurrent miscarriage, unexplained reproductive symptoms, or symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid health may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. A thoughtful evaluation can help determine whether thyroid dysfunction, thyroid autoimmunity, metabolic issues, or another underlying factor may be contributing. The goal isn't simply to find a "normal" lab result. It's to understand how the different systems of your body are working together.
Your Thyroid May Be Small—But Its Impact Is Big
Thyroid health is one piece of the fertility puzzle, but it can be an important one. At Bloomberg Chiropractic Center, our functional medicine approach focuses on looking at the bigger picture—connecting symptoms, laboratory findings, nutrition, metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle to develop a more complete understanding of your health.
If you're struggling with fertility or wondering whether thyroid health could be part of the picture, give us a call. We’d be happy to walk through the process with you.

09/10/2026

Peptide Navigation: MOTS-c
Make plans now to attend our Peptide Navigation Workshop on Tuesday, Sept 15 @ 6:00PM West End Reception & Events. RSVP 618-783-2424

09/10/2026

Ready to Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking can be challenging—but you don’t have to do it alone. Acupuncture may provide supportive care to help you manage cravings, stress, anxiety, and the challenges of quitting.
Break the habit. Take back your health.

📞 Call Bloomberg Chiropractic Center to schedule your consultation.

09/05/2026

Functional medicine asks different questions:
What is driving the problem?
What systems are involved?
What patterns do the labs show?
What lifestyle factors may be contributing?
What can we do to create a healthier foundation?

Want a more comprehensive approach to your health? Let's talk.

09/03/2026

PCOS and Metabolic Health: Why It’s More Than a Hormone Problem
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) is often described as a hormonal disorder—but that description doesn't tell the whole story. PCOS is closely connected to metabolic health, including insulin regulation, blood sugar balance, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk. For many women, improving metabolic health can be an important part of addressing the underlying drivers of PCOS symptoms. Understanding this connection can change the way PCOS is approached.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a common endocrine and metabolic condition that can affect women during their reproductive years. Symptoms can vary considerably from one woman to another, but may include:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Difficulty with ovulation or fertility
Acne
Increased facial or body hair
Hair thinning or loss
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Increased abdominal fat
Elevated androgen levels
Importantly, not every woman with PCOS has cysts on her ovaries, and not every woman with ovarian cysts has PCOS. PCOS is typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical history, physical findings, laboratory testing, and sometimes ultrasound.
The Insulin-Resistance Connection
One of the most important links between PCOS and metabolic health is insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells to be used for energy. When the body becomes less responsive to insulin, the pancreas may compensate by producing more insulin. This is called hyperinsulinemia. Higher insulin levels can contribute to PCOS in several ways. Insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens—hormones such as testosterone. At the same time, insulin resistance can affect the liver's production of s*x hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), potentially increasing the amount of biologically active testosterone circulating in the body. The result can be a combination of:
Insulin resistance → higher insulin → increased androgen activity → disrupted ovulation → PCOS symptoms
This is one reason why simply focusing on reproductive hormones may not address the entire picture.
PCOS Can Affect Metabolic Health
The relationship also works in the opposite direction. PCOS is associated with a greater risk of metabolic problems, including:
Insulin resistance
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides
Increased visceral fat
Metabolic syndrome
Cardiovascular disease risk
This doesn't mean that every woman with PCOS will develop these conditions. However, PCOS can be an important reason to pay closer attention to metabolic markers.
Why "Normal" Blood Sugar May Not Tell the Whole Story
One of the challenges in evaluating metabolic health is that blood glucose can remain normal for years while insulin levels are rising. The body may compensate for insulin resistance by producing more insulin. As a result, fasting glucose may still look perfectly normal. For this reason, a more comprehensive metabolic assessment may include:
Fasting glucose
Fasting insulin
Hemoglobin A1c
Lipid panel
Triglycerides
HDL cholesterol
Blood pressure
Waist circumference
Liver enzymes
Additional hormone testing when appropriate
In some cases, calculating HOMA-IR using fasting glucose and fasting insulin can provide another perspective on insulin sensitivity. The goal isn't simply to identify disease. It's to recognize metabolic dysfunction early—before more significant problems develop.
Body Composition Matters
PCOS isn't simply a "weight problem." Women with PCOS can have a wide range of body sizes, including women who are not overweight. However, visceral fat—fat stored around the abdominal organs—can be particularly relevant to metabolic health. Two people can have the same body weight but very different amounts of muscle, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat. That's why looking beyond the number on the scale can be valuable. Strength training, adequate protein intake, regular physical activity, sleep, and nutrition can all play important roles in improving body composition and metabolic health.
Nutrition and PCOS
There is no single "PCOS diet" that works for everyone. Instead, the focus should generally be on improving metabolic health while creating an eating pattern that is sustainable. Helpful strategies may include:
Prioritize protein
Adequate protein can support muscle maintenance, satiety, and healthy body composition. Good sources include:
Eggs
Fish
Chicken and turkey
Lean beef
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Tofu and tempeh
Legumes
Increase fiber
Fiber can help support satiety, digestive health, and healthy glucose regulation. Focus on vegetables, berries, legumes, nuts, seeds, and minimally processed whole grains as appropriate.
Choose carbohydrates strategically
Carbohydrates don't necessarily need to be eliminated. Instead, emphasize minimally processed carbohydrate sources and combine them with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help promote a more favorable glucose response.
Reduce highly processed foods
Frequent consumption of foods high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and highly processed fats can make metabolic health more difficult to manage. The goal is not perfection. It's consistency.
Exercise Is Medicine for Metabolic Health
Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for improving insulin sensitivity. A combination of: resistance training + aerobic activity + daily movement can be particularly beneficial. Resistance training helps build and maintain muscle, and skeletal muscle is one of the body's major sites for glucose disposal. Even something as simple as walking after meals can help support glucose regulation.
Don't Forget Sleep and Stress
Metabolic health isn't just about food and exercise. Poor sleep and chronic stress can influence:
Cortisol
Appetite
Insulin sensitivity
Food cravings
Blood sugar regulation
Body composition
Women with PCOS may also experience sleep problems, including a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea in some populations. Addressing sleep quality and stress management should therefore be part of a comprehensive approach.
A Functional Approach to PCOS
A conventional approach may focus primarily on controlling symptoms—for example, regulating menstrual cycles, treating acne, or addressing fertility. Those interventions can be appropriate and valuable. A functional approach asks an additional question: "Why are these symptoms occurring?" That may involve looking at several interconnected systems:
Metabolic health
↓
Insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation
↓
Ovarian androgen production
↓
Ovulation and menstrual cycles
↓
Symptoms such as acne, hair growth, and fertility challenges
This doesn't mean that every symptom of PCOS is caused by insulin resistance. PCOS is complex, and different women can have different underlying drivers. The goal is to identify the individual factors contributing to a patient's symptoms and metabolic risk.
The Bottom Line
PCOS isn't simply a reproductive or hormonal condition. It is closely connected to metabolic health, and insulin resistance can play an important role for many women with PCOS. Rather than focusing exclusively on individual symptoms, a comprehensive approach should consider the bigger picture:
Blood sugar + insulin + hormones + body composition + nutrition + exercise + sleep + stress
Improving metabolic health may help address some of the underlying physiology associated with PCOS while also supporting long-term health. If you have PCOS—or suspect that you may have it—consider discussing a comprehensive metabolic and hormonal evaluation with your healthcare provider. Your hormones don't operate in isolation. Your metabolism, lifestyle, and hormonal health are all connected.