Prevalence and association of endocrine disorders in women participating in an in vitro fertilization program

Introduction: Ovulatory dysfunction associated with endocrine diseases is a common leading or associated cause of female infertility, but at optimal reproductive age, causal or ovulation-induction treatment can usually settle fertility. The leading indications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments are currently andrological and originated from age related ovarian infertility, but other accompanying endocrine dysfunctions affect treatment outcomes. Objective: To investigate the incidence of endocrine diseases in female members of couples participating in IVF program. Method: During aptitude tests prior to the IVF program, from the leading indication independently, a detailed endocrinological examination was performed in 231 women (mean age: 34 years). The studies of hypothalamic and ovarian function, thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity, adrenal function, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance were covered. In addition to the incidence of each endocrine disease, the frequency of their association was analyzed. Results: The distribution of IVF lead indications was in line with the international trends, it was endocrine nature in 87 cases (37.6%; decreased ovarian reserve in 55 cases and chronic anovulation in 32 cases). Associated endocrine abnormalities were found in 141 cases, and a total of 161 women was affected by endocrine dysfunction (69.7%; mean age: 35 years). Endocrine dysfunction incidences in order of frequency were thyroid dysfunction (32.5%), diminished ovarian reserve (23.8%), thyroid autoimmunity (22.5%), polycystic ovarian syndrome (15.6%), insulin resistance (22.5%), obesity (23.8%), hyperprolactinemia (13.4%). The endocrine disease associations were found in all of the cases above. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurred in 2 cases, congenital adrenal hyperplasia occurred in 1 case. No endocrine abnormalities were found in 70 cases (30.3%). Conclusion: Our study confirms the cumulative appearance of endocrine dysfunctions and frequent association in IVF participants with any lead indication. The detailed endocrine examination and proficiency/skill in reproductive endocrinology of IVF practitioners may contribute to IVF treatment success.