Interní Med. 2007; 9(9): 394-397

Autoimmune thyroiditis and infertility

MUDr. David Karásek Ph.D², doc. MUDr. Ivana Oborná Ph.D¹, doc. MUDr. Zdeněk Fryšák CSc²

¹ Porodnicko-gynekologická klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

² III. interní klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

Thyroid gland plays an important role in reproduction. Autoimmune thyroiditis with, or without thyroid dysfunction could be associated with infertility, pregnancy loss, and assisted reproduction failure. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in women of infertile couples is significantly higher compared to fertile controls, particularly in women with ovarian factor of infertility, tubal factor of infertility and in women with endometriosis. Thus, systemic assessment not only of thyroid function, but also of antibodies against thyroid gland seems to be necessary in these women. If the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is made out, a close collaboration of endocrinologist and gynecologist is important in period before conception, during pregnancy and also in postpartum period.

Keywords: autoimmune thyroiditis, infertility, antibodies against thyroid gland, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

Published: January 1, 2008  Show citation