Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
06:24
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Female sexual dysfunction in women with thyroid disorders
D Pasquali1, M I Maiorino, A Renzullo
1Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, Second University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. daniela.pasquali@unina2.it.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|April 13, 2013
Summary
Women with thyroid disorders have a higher prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Nodular goiter showed significantly increased FSD, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may play a role in sexual health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sexual Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) prevalence in women with thyroid disorders.
- Thyroid hormones significantly influence overall health, including sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate FSD in women with various thyroid diseases compared to healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between thyroid hormones and sexual function.
Main Methods:
- 104 women with thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, nodular goiter) and 53 controls were assessed.
- Thyroid function was evaluated, and sonography was performed.
- The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of FSD was 46.1% in women with thyroid diseases versus 20.7% in controls.
- Women with nodular goiter (Group 4) exhibited a significantly higher FSD prevalence (68.4%) than controls.
- A significant inverse correlation was found between TSH levels and FSFI scores in Group 4.
Conclusions:
- Women with thyroid diseases exhibit a higher prevalence of FSD.
- Nodular goiter is associated with significantly impaired sexual function, and TSH may influence FSD.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex relationship between thyroid disorders and sexual health.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...