Human Reproductive Health in Relation to Thyroid Alterations

Abstract

Background: Thyroid alterations have adverse effects on other health systems in the body, and reproductive system is one of the most affected organs. Here, we perform a comprehensive analysis on the effects of different thyroid abnormalities on sexual and reproductive-related hormones in both men and women in different age groups. Method: A comprehensive analysis was performed on 15,043 subjects within the reproductive age (15 - 49 years). They were tested for thyroid markers (TSH, FT4, anti-TPO, anti-Tg) and 13 reproductive hormones in Vibrant America Clinical Laboratory between March 2016 to July 2018. The alterations of each reproductive hormone in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, anti-TPO+ anti-Tg+ groups were evaluated. Results: A total of 10,626 women was tested. Women with hypothyroidism had elevated cortisol and low SHBG and DHEA-S. Women with hyperthyroidism showed elevated total testosterone and SHBG. Women seropositive for anti-TPO had elevated total testosterone and low cortisol. Women seropositive for anti-Tg had low parathyroid hormones. Similarly, a total of 4417 men was tested. Men with hypothyroidism had low IGF-I. Similarly, men with hyperthyroidism had low DHEA-S, but elevated estradiol, FSH, LH and prolactin. Men seropositive for anti-TPO had elevated SHBG and low progesterone. Men seropositive for anti-Tg had elevated progesterone. The reproductive and related hormone levels of age group 36 - 49 showed the most variations. Conclusion: Our results clearly show that individuals with different thyroid alterations have different effects on reproductive health, especially in the age group 36 - 49. Hence, routine testing and follow-up checkups on reproductive system would be beneficial for individuals in the age group 36 - 49 with thyroid disorders.