Problems with the endocrine system can be a major reason why pregnancy doesn’t happen, even with IVF. This perspective comes from Yulia Sidorkina, an endocrinologist working with the Fomina Clinic network of multidisciplinary medical centers in Voronezh. Her insights emphasize that the overall health of the endocrine system plays a decisive role in both natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies, including the outcomes of IVF and the trajectory of pregnancy. When the endocrine system is not functioning well, it can hinder the ability to conceive and carry a healthy baby, and it can also affect how well IVF protocols work. This warning comes from the medical experience shared by Sidorkina and reflects a broader view in reproductive endocrinology.
According to Sidorkina, thyroid health stands out as a key factor that can slow down or complicate successful IVF. Autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism can influence ovarian reserve and the quality of oocytes and embryos that IVF relies on. The consequence can be a higher chance of miscarriage in the first trimester for women with thyroid-related issues, with some studies indicating a significantly increased risk compared with peers who have stable thyroid function. This underscores the importance of assessing and managing thyroid health before and during IVF treatment.
Weight status is another important element in the IVF puzzle. Sidorkina notes that obesity can create several obstacles to successful pregnancy. Among obese women, the likelihood of achieving pregnancy within a year can be lower than in women with a normal body weight, and ovulation can be affected. A higher body mass index (BMI) beyond 27 kg/m2 is associated with an increased risk of anovulation, which can reduce the chances of conceiving naturally or through IVF. These connections highlight the value of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight as part of preconception care and fertility planning.
Diabetes is another factor that can interfere with reproductive function. The endocrinologist points out that diabetes can contribute to vascular changes that affect the ovaries and the implantation process. When glucose control is suboptimal, the frequency of unsuccessful pregnancies can rise, and the probability of having a live birth may be reduced. The interplay between high blood sugar, insulin metabolism, and fetal development is a reason many fertility specialists stress strict metabolic control for prospective parents who are pursuing IVF or natural conception.
Sidorkina advises people planning pregnancy, whether they are pursuing IVF or trying to conceive on their own, to pay close attention to endocrine health. Preconception planning should include a thorough evaluation of thyroid status, weight management, and blood sugar control. Proactive care can improve both the chances of a successful pregnancy and the health of the pregnancy itself. Clinicians often recommend a personalized plan that may involve endocrinology follow-up, nutrition guidance, and targeted lifestyle changes to optimize hormonal balance before entering an IVF cycle or attempting pregnancy without assisted technologies.
Alongside this guidance, it is important to recognize that fertility breakthroughs continue to evolve with advances in both reproductive medicine and endocrinology. Maintaining open dialogue with healthcare providers helps individuals understand individual risks, set realistic expectations, and pursue the safest, most effective path toward parenthood. When hormonal health is supported, the prospects for a healthy pregnancy—whether achieved with IVF or naturally—are better aligned with each person’s unique circumstances. (Source: medical expert statements from a Voronezh endocrinology clinic and related reproductive health literature.)
Another note from the medical community highlights safety concerns around very large breast implants. This topic has drawn attention from surgeons as part of broader discussions about how body health and surgical choices can influence overall health and fertility decisions. It serves as a reminder that comprehensive preconception health extends beyond reproductive organs and includes broader aspects of physical well-being. (Cited observations from a contemporary surgical specialist.)