CORRELATION BETWEEN THYROID DYSFUNCTION AND INFERTILITY

BACKGROUND Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples in the world. 35% of infertility are due to female causes and among female causes 59% contributed by ovarian dysfunction. There is a direct impact of thyroid hormone level on luteal function of the ovary. So, the thyroid function studies should be part of the evaluation of patients with persistent menstrual disorders. This inspired us to probe into this topic. METHODS In this prospective study, a group of fifty female patients with irregular periods attending the infertility clinic at Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital selected as cases. Control group comprise fifty patients with regular periods of the same age group. The following parameters were studied - family history of thyroid dysfunction, body mass index, recent weight gain, serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, Thyroid stimulating hormone, and Thyroid hormones estimated by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS Cases had positive family history of thyroid dysfunction (8%), high body mass index (50%), recent weight gain (42%), 72% cases are euthyroid with normal thyroid hormones levels. 28% cases have clinical hyperthyroidism. Among 72%, 6% has subclinical hyperthyroid [Normal T-3, T-4, and low TSH. (<0.6 mu IU/L)] 8% subclinical hypothyroid [Normal T-3, T-4, and high TSH (>3.6 mu IU/L)]. CONCLUSION Estimation of serum TSH proves to be the most sensitive index of thyroid failure among other thyroid function tests. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism whether clinical or subclinical has definite role in infertility. So, routine screening of TSH along with thyroid hormone is strongly recommended in the investigation for infertility.