Publication:

Prevalence of hypothyroidism in subfertile women in a tertiary care centre in North India

Background Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth, sexual development and reproductive function. The prevalence of hypothyroidism varies between 2-4% in women of reproductive age group. It can affect the fertility in various ways like sex hormone imbalance, anovulatory cycles, luteal phase defects, and hyperprolactinemia.

Objectives To study the prevalence of hypothyroidism in subfertile patients.

Methods A total of 454 subfertile women visiting the Reproductive Biology department for subfertility were investigated for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL). Hypothyroidism was considered at TSH levels of >4.5 μIU/ml and hyperprolactinemia at PRL levels of >25 ng/ml.

Results Of 454 subfertile women 24% were hypothyroid (TSH >4.5 μIU/ml) and 12.8% patients had hyperprolactinemia.

Conclusions TSH and PRL should be measured in all cases desirous of issue before proceeding for more costly tests or invasive procedures.