Prevalence of infertility among hypothyroid women and evaluation of response to treatment for hypothyroidism on infertility
Elena Roxana Novac (RO), Oana Acsinte (RO), Adrian Cotirlet (RO)
[Novac] Emergency Hospital Moinesti, [Acsinte] Emergency Hospital Moinesti, [Cotirlet] Emergency Hospital Moinesti
Introduction: The prevalence of hypothyroidism is 2-5% in general population. Hypothyroidism affect fertility in multiple ways therefore this condition is more frequent in infertile women. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of clinical/sub-clinical hypothyroidism in infertile women and the response of treatment for hypothyroidism on infertility. Materials and Methods: We studied a number of 98 patients previously diagnosed with infertility, aged 19-46 years old. We measured TSH, FT4, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, PRL, FSH/LH ratio. Results: Of 98 infertile women, 25,51% (25) were hypothyroid (TSH > 4 μIU/ml). After treatment for hypothyroidism, 72% (18) of infertile women conceived within 6 weeks to 1 year. Infertile women with both hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia (20%) also responded to treatment and their PRL levels returned to normal. Patients who associated polycystic ovary syndrome(12%) improved their FSH/LH ratio. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is to be considered in all infertile women and tests should be made in order to be able to treat as soon as this condition is diagnosed, because substitution with levothyroxine brings real benefit on ovarian function. Keywords: Hypothyroidism, infertility, subclinical, treatment