Preconceptional thyrotropin level in euthyroid women is inversely associated with the live birth rate in first in vitro fertilization cycle
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Diana Grove-Laugesen1, Camilla Aaskov2, Eva Ebbehøj1
1Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Introduction:
Thyroid disorders have been associated with adverse reproductive outcome. Whether the preconceptional level of thyrotropin (TSH) in euthyroid women impacts on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome has been debated. This study reports the outcome of first IVF cycle in euthyroid women in relation to TSH level.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted in women referred for fertility treatment in the period 1 January 2012 until 31 March 2014. Among the exclusion criteria were thyroid medication at referral and comorbidities. TSH was measured as part of the fertility workup, and women were followed until pregnancy loss or live birth. Outcome as well as patient characteristics were prospectively collected from a treatment database.
Results:
A total of 623 euthyroid women underwent their first IVF cycle. The live birth rate was 27.0% (n = 168). Comparing women with a preconceptional TSH level above vs below 2.5 mIU/L, we found lower odds for clinical pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.52; 95% CI 0.29-0.95), and lower odds for live birth (aOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29-0.99).
Conclusions:
A preconceptional TSH level >2.5 mIU/L was associated with lower odds for clinical pregnancy and live birth in euthyroid healthy women undergoing first IVF cycle.
Related Concept Videos
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Birth Control Methods
Fertilization
The Phosphorus Cycle
The Angiosperm Life Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle

