Thyroid Autoimmunity and Reproductive Function

Natalie M. Crawford; Anne Z. Steiner

doi:10.1055/s-0036-1593485

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2016; 34(06): 343-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593485

Review Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Thyroid Autoimmunity and Reproductive Function

Authors

Natalie M. Crawford

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Anne Z. Steiner

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are important for normal reproductive function, and maternal thyroid dysfunction has been associated with infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, and poor neurodevelopment in the offspring. Thyroid autoimmunity is the leading cause of thyroid dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Women with thyroid autoimmunity, even with normal thyroid function, appear to be at a higher risk for poor reproductive outcomes, including miscarriage and preterm birth. Thyroxine replacement in women with thyroid autoimmunity with or without appreciable thyroid dysfunction may improve pregnancy outcomes. Thus, identification and treatment of women with thyroid autoimmunity may optimize reproductive success.

Keywords

thyroid autoimmunity - hypothyroidism - infertility - miscarriage - pregnancy

Full Text

References

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