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Hypothyroidism has an adverse effect on human spermatogenesis: a prospective, controlled study.
Gerasimos E Krassas1, Fotini Papadopoulou, Kostas Tziomalos
1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Panagia General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. krassas@the.forthnet.gr
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Hypothyroidism negatively impacts male fertility, significantly affecting sperm morphology. Treatment with levothyroxine can improve sperm quality, highlighting the need for thyroid screening in infertile men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Andrology
- Spermatogenesis Research
Background:
- Spermatogenesis abnormalities are linked to various diseases and aging.
- Hypothyroidism's effect on male reproductive health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of hypothyroidism on human spermatogenesis.
- To evaluate the effects on sperm function tests in hypothyroid males.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 25 hypothyroid men with 15 normal controls.
- Semen analysis, fructose, acid phosphatase, teratozoospermia index (TZI), and acridine orange test performed before and after levothyroxine treatment.
Main Results:
- Sperm morphology was significantly impaired in hypothyroid men (p < 0.0001) and improved post-treatment (p < 0.001).
- Sperm motility showed a trend of improvement after treatment, though not statistically significant.
- Teratozoospermia index (TZI) demonstrated a correlation with free thyroxine levels.
Conclusions:
- Hypothyroidism adversely affects human spermatogenesis, primarily impacting sperm morphology.
- Levothyroxine treatment can ameliorate these effects, suggesting a role for thyroid hormone replacement.
- Screening for thyroid dysfunction is recommended for men with spermatogenesis defects, with evaluation of thyroid hormone response before other interventions.
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