Sub clinical hypothyroidism: A possible cause of primary infertility

Background and Aim: Infertility is a common condition with a prevalence of 12-14%. It has important medical, economic and psychological implications. Thyroid hormones play an important role in menstural health and fertility. The aim of the study was to study serum gonadotrophins in hypothyroid females in reproductive age group and to find a correlation if any amongst the two and also study the prevalence of infertility in hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients. Design and Methods: In this study Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) and serum Prolactin, FSH and LH was estimated in 150 individuals, out of which 75 females were having primary infertility and 75 females were normal. Statistical analysis: Data collected is presented as mean± S.D. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was calculated to study the correlation between different parameters. Results: The prevalence of sub clinical hypothyroidism was 81% with increased serum prolactin. A Significant positive correlation was found between TSH and LH and a negative correlation between TSH and FSH Conclusions: Prevalence of sub clinical hypothyroidism is more than overt hypothyroidism in the infertile females enrolled in the present study. A small deviation from the normal levels of TSH should be taken into consideration and treated accordingly so as to prevent primary infertility.