Formerly Ibrahim Medical College Journal
Affiliations: Department of Endocrinology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorder (BIRDEM), 122, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Shahbagh, Dhaka-1000
Affiliations: Department of Medicine & Endocrinology, United Hospital Limited, Dhaka
Affiliations: Shundorpur Durgapur Union subcenter, Kaligonj, Jhenaidah
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) may be of greater clinical importance in women with “unexplained” infertility, especially when the luteal phase is inadequate, and such patients should be investigated for thyroid dysfunction in detail. To date, studies investigating the association between SCH and infertility are still based on the high serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels while some older studies are based on the presence of an abnormal serum TSH after a thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test. The recommendation in the current guidelines to treat subclinical hypothyroidism is based on minimal evidence and it is thought that with treatment the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Thyroxine-replacement therapy should be started in patients with SCH caused by conditions which are at high risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism.
Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2014; 8(1): 17-24
Keyword: Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Infertility, TSH, L-thyroxine
