Thyroid dysfunction and reproductive health

Abstract

Key content Thyroid disease is a common condition in the reproductive medicine setting due to the complex interplay between the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and the thyoid gland. Abnormalities in thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can have an adverse effect on reproductive health and result in reduced rates of conception, increased early pregnancy loss, and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. There is increasing evidence for the role of autoantibodies in subfertility and early pregnancy loss, even in euthyroid women. Evidence suggests that treating thyroid disorders and keeping thyroid-stimulating hormone levels at the lower end of normal in euthyroid women may improve conception rates in subfertile women and reduce early pregnancy loss. Learning objectives To gain an overview of the effect of thyroid disorders on reproductive health. To review the evidence on how to optimise thyroid function to improve reproductive outcomes. Ethical issues Screening for thyroid disease should be considered in women presenting with subfertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss. Keywords: reproductive health / screening / subfertility / thyroid disease / thyroid gland Please cite this paper as: Jefferys A, Vanderpump M, Yasmin E. Thyroid dysfunction and reproductive health.