Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
A study of sex and age related heterogeneity in thyroid-gonadal axis interactions in a multi-center cohort of
Lina Yang1, Haoran Hu2, Qunhao Li3
1Development Department of the Wisdom Hospital, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Introduction:
There is a complex physiological interaction between the HPT axis and the HPG axis. However, previous studies have primarily focused on individuals with thyroid dysfunction, and our understanding of the relationship between these two axes in individuals with normal thyroid function remains limited.
Methods:
This study based on multi-center cross-sectional data, included 1,025 healthy participants with no known endocrine disorders. It systematically assessed the association between thyroid hormones and sex hormones, with a focus on analyzing effects stratified by gender and age.
Results:
The results showed that FT4 was positively correlated with T in men (Std β = 0.448, P = 0.002), while FT3 and TSH did not show a significant effect. No significant association was observed in the overall female population, but a clear trend emerged when the data were stratified by age. In the <18-year-old group, thyroid hormones and gonadotropins showed a negative correlation (e.g., FT3-LH: r = -0.372, P < 0.001). In the 18-40-year-old group, a positive correlation was observed (FT4-FSH: r = 0.125, P = 0.001), whereas this correlation disappeared in the >40-year-old group. In women of childbearing age, multivariate analysis further confirmed the association between FT4 and FSH (Std β = 0.118, P = 0.005) and between TSH and LH (Std β = 0.136, P < 0.001).
Discussion:
The study findings indicate that the association between thyroid hormones and sex hormones exhibits significant gender differences and is age-dependent. Among women, the direction of this association varies. This suggests that pooled analyses may mask the true association due to population heterogeneity, thereby underestimating the actual association. This study reveals the potential role of normal fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels in the regulation of reproductive endocrinology and provides new epidemiological evidence for research into the mechanisms underlying related reproductive endocrine disorders and for the early identification of risks.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
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...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...