In vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic insemination and thyroid function: reviewing the evidence

Gesthimani Mintziori; Dimitrios G Goulis

doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2018.03.021

In vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic insemination and thyroid function: reviewing the evidence

Metabolism. 2018 Sep:86:44-48. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.03.021. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

Authors

Gesthimani Mintziori¹, Dimitrios G Goulis²

Affiliations

¹ Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: gefsi@auth.gr.
² Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

PMID: 29604363
DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.03.021

Abstract

Recent findings, that specific G protein-coupled TSH receptors (TSHR) and the nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (THRs) are widely expressed in reproductive tissues, reveal the close links between hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axes. It has been suggested that thyroid function as well as thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) have an impact on Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) reproductive outcome. Lately, it became evident that ovarian stimulation (OS) may also have an impact on thyroid function. This narrative review describes the mutual interaction between thyroid function and OS, by reviewing the current evidence, assessing the pathophysiological links and arriving at practical recommendations.

Keywords: ICSI; IVF; Ovarian stimulation; TSH; Thyroid.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Fertilization in Vitro* / adverse effects
Humans
Male
Ovulation Induction / adverse effects
Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic* / adverse effects
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid Gland / physiology*
Treatment Outcome