Effect Of Clinical/Sub-Clinical Hypothyroidism On Fertility In Infertility Case And The Response Of Treatment For Hypothyroidism On Fertility In Cases Of Infertility

Context:Prevalence of hypothyroidism is 2-4% in women in the reproductive age group. Hypothyroidism can affect fertility due to anovulatory cycles, luteal phase defects, hyperprolactinemia, and sex hormone imbalance. Objectives: To study the effect of clinical/sub-clinical hypothyroidism on fertility in infertility case and the response of treatment for hypothyroidism on fertility in cases of infertility. Methods: A total of 200 infertile women visiting the infertility clinic for the first time were investigated for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL). Infertile women with hypothyroidism alone or with associated hyperprolactinemia were given treatment for hypothyroidism with thyroxine (12.5-150μg). Results: Of 200 infertile women 24% were hypothyroid (TSH >4.2 μIU/ml.).After treatment for hypothyroidism 77.08% infertile women conceived within 6 weeks to 1 year. Infertile women with both hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia also responded to treatment and their PRL levels returned to normal. Conclusion: Measurement of TSH and PRL should be done at early stage of infertility checkup rather than straight away going for more costly tests or invasive procedures. Simple, oral hypothyroidism treatment for three months to one year can be of great benefit to conceive in otherwise asymptomatic infertile women.