Abstract
Thyroid disorders affect normal reproduction in both men and women. Pathophysiologically, hypothyroidism induces hyperprolactinemia and impacts on sexual hormone binding globulins (SHBG). Clinically hypothyroidism in men is associated with impotence and adverse effects on spermatogenesis whereas in women of fertile age, hypothyroidism results in menstrual disturbances. Therefore, thyroid function should be tested in patients with infertility.
Treatment with levothyroxine (LT4) leading to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels between 1 and 2 mU/l may be useful as it has been shown to normalize prolactin levels as well as normal luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LHRH), reduces menstrual disturbances and also increases the chances of spontaneous fertility.
In both genders thyrotoxicosis increases total testosterone and estrogen levels by an increase in SHBG. As in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroid women suffer mainly from menstrual disturbances and men from erectile abnormalities and defects in sperm motility.
Treatment with levothyroxine (LT4) leading to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels between 1 and 2 mU/l may be useful as it has been shown to normalize prolactin levels as well as normal luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LHRH), reduces menstrual disturbances and also increases the chances of spontaneous fertility.
In both genders thyrotoxicosis increases total testosterone and estrogen levels by an increase in SHBG. As in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroid women suffer mainly from menstrual disturbances and men from erectile abnormalities and defects in sperm motility.
| Translated title of the contribution | Infertility: Interaction between thyroid and gonad function |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | Gynakologische Endokrinologie |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 26-30 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| ISSN | 1610-2894 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 02.2012 |
