Female Fertility through the Lens of the Thyroid Gland: A Review

Abstract

Fertility is the natural capacity of a couple to conceive a child through an intricate biological process. In females the secretion of optimal levels of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, avital hormone gland which plays a major role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body, is necessary for the effectiveness of this process. This review intends to bring to the fore how the thyroid gland impacts fertility in females and the adverse effects of a dysfunctional thyroid gland on the ability of a female to get pregnant or sustain the same to term. Relevant literature on the thyroid gland's regulation of female fertility in various search engines were reviewed. Various studies have helped to establish strong links between the functionality of the thyroid gland and fertility. This is implicated on the secretion of thyroid hormones, especially triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4), and their resultant effect on reproductive processes such as the rate of folliculogenesis and the onset of ovulation. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are disorders of the thyroid gland that often result in infertility. Studies have proven, by monitoring the genesis of symptoms of infertility and their resolution between periods of thyroid dysfunction and restoration of normal T3 and T4 levels in circulation, that a strong link exists between normal thyroid gland function and the ability to reproduce. The recognition of the mechanisms involved may help to establish preventive measures early enough, aid proper diagnosis of infertility, and increase the effectiveness of therapeutic measures employed in helping infertile females get pregnant.