S La Vignera1, G Defeudis2, R Mazzilli3, S Medenica4, A M Di Tommaso2, G Fabozzi5, V Zamponi3, D Cimadomo5, L Rienzi5, F M Ubaldi5, M Watanabe6, A Faggiano3. 1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico "G. Rodolico, " University of Catania, Catania, Italy. 2. Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy. 3. Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy. 4. Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro. 5. Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy. 6. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 328, 00161, Rome, Italy. Mikiko.watanabe@uniroma1.it.
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.
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.
Authors: Christos S Mantzoros; Faidon Magkos; Mary Brinkoetter; Elizabeth Sienkiewicz; Tina A Dardeno; Sang-Yong Kim; Ole-Petter R Hamnvik; Anastasia Koniaris Journal: Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab Date: 2011-07-26 Impact factor: 4.310
Authors: Erik K Alexander; Elizabeth N Pearce; Gregory A Brent; Rosalind S Brown; Herbert Chen; Chrysoula Dosiou; William A Grobman; Peter Laurberg; John H Lazarus; Susan J Mandel; Robin P Peeters; Scott Sullivan Journal: Thyroid Date: 2017-03 Impact factor: 6.568
Authors: Vanesa C Sanchez; Jorge Goldstein; Ronald C Stuart; Virginia Hovanesian; Lihong Huo; Heike Munzberg; Theodore C Friedman; Christian Bjorbaek; Eduardo A Nillni Journal: J Clin Invest Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 14.808
Authors: Betty Fumel; Pascal Froment; Martin Holzenberger; Gabriel Livera; Philippe Monget; Sophie Fouchécourt Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-03-20 Impact factor: 3.240