Scientific findings have been obtained that there is a relationship between the brain, thyroid and ovaries in women, and between the brain, thyroid and testicles in men. This relationship is called the hypophysio-thyroidal-ovarian axis in women and the hypophysio-thyroidal-testicular axis in men.
When this relationship is disrupted at some point, for example when the thyroid hormone level increases or decreases, both egg production in women and sperm production in men are disrupted. This deterioration in the production of reproductive cells may occur in terms of number or quality. However, measurements of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones made during this period are normal in both women and men.
Infertility and Thyroid Diseases in Women
In women with thyroid hormone disorders, ovulation function is impaired, menstruation becomes irregular and infertility may occur. Fertility in women is impaired in both thyroid hormone excess (toxic goiter) and thyroid hormone deficiency.
In addition, infertility is much more common in thyroid diseases that occur as a result of the development of antibodies (auto-antibodies) against thyroid cells. The development of thyroid autoantibodies can be seen in Hashimoto's disease (thyroiditis) and toxic goiter (hyperthyroidism).
Infertility in Men and Thyroid Diseases
In thyroid diseases seen in men, movement disorders (motility) in male reproductive cells called sperm have been detected. Sperm motility disorders can be a cause of infertility in men.
For this reason, patients with infertility should undergo comprehensive thyroid examination and research before starting treatment before IVF.