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Mazzilli R, Medenica S, Di Tommaso AM, Fabozzi G, Zamponi V, Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Watanabe M, Faggiano A, La Vignera S, Defeudis G. The role of thyroid function in female and male infertility: a narrative review. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:15-26. [PMID: 35945393 PMCID: PMC9829629 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01883-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We herein aimed to review the new insights into the impact of impaired thyroid function on male and female fertility, spacing from spontaneous pregnancy to ART, with the objective of providing an updated narrative revision of the literature. METHODS This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to 2021 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript. RESULTS Thyroid dysfunction is frequently associated with female infertility, whereas its link with male infertility is debated. Female wise, impaired function is detrimental to obstetric and fetal outcomes both in spontaneous pregnancies and in those achieved thanks to assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Furthermore, the reference range of TSH in natural pregnancy and ART procedures has recently become a matter of debate following recent reports in this field. On the other hand, the impact of thyroid function on the male reproductive system is less clear, although a possible role is suggested via modulation of Sertoli and Leydig cells function and spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Thyroid function should be carefully monitored in both male and female, in couples seeking spontaneous pregnancy as well as ART, as treatment is generally immediate and likely to improve chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mazzilli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S Medenica
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - A M Di Tommaso
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - V Zamponi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - D Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - L Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - F M Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - M Watanabe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 328, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico "G. Rodolico, " University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Defeudis
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Preconception Counseling in Patients with Hypothyroidism and/or Thyroid Autoimmunity. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58081122. [PMID: 36013589 PMCID: PMC9415345 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Preconception counseling is an essential tool for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with thyroid dysfunction. The high prevalence of thyroid disease among women of reproductive age, and the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with thyroid dysfunction, emphasize the necessity for well-established screening and treatment criteria in the preconception period. We therefore conducted a literature review for relevant information on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism in women seeking pregnancy. While screening for thyroid disease is recommended only in the presence of risk factors, iodine supplementation should be recommended in most regions, with higher doses in areas with severe deficiency. Known hypothyroid women should be counseled about increasing their levothyroxine dose by 20–30% in the case of suspected or confirmed pregnancy (missed menstrual cycle or positive pregnancy test). Treating subclinical hypothyroidism appears to be beneficial, especially in the presence of autoimmunity or in patients undergoing artificial reproductive techniques. Regarding the management of TPOAb negative SCH women or euthyroid women with positive TPOAb, further research is necessary in order to make evidence-based recommendations.
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