Thyroid hormones in male reproduction and infertility

Thyroid hormones have been well studied for its relevance to male reproduction in the last few decades. They are considered as essential regulators of male reproductive functions and play vital roles in male gonadal developments. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both affect testicular functions an...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ahmed Alahmar, Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
Series:Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.apjr.net/article.asp?issn=2305-0500;year=2019;volume=8;issue=5;spage=203;epage=210;aulast=Alahmar
Description
Summary:Thyroid hormones have been well studied for its relevance to male reproduction in the last few decades. They are considered as essential regulators of male reproductive functions and play vital roles in male gonadal developments. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both affect testicular functions and influence neuroendocrine regulations over reproductive functions via the crosstalk between the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The alterations in the male reproductive hormonal milieu by thyroid hormones may lead to reduced testosterone levels and deterioration of semen quality. However, there are very few reports on the direct effects of thyroid disorders upon testicular functions and semen quality. This article aims to review the available literature to present a concise updated concept on the regulation of male reproductive functions by the thyroid hormones, and the possible mechanism by which thyroid dysfunctions affects testicular functions.
ISSN:2305-0500
2305-0519