Gonadal dysfunction in patients with thyroid disorders

This review summarizes the abnormalities of hypothalamic-pituitary- gonadal function which may occur in patients with hyper-or hypothyroidism. Changes in the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropins, gonadal steroids, sex hormone binding globulin, and prolactin may occur, and germ cell development may be impaired. In some patients with thyroid disorders, endocrine function is clinically normal, but laboratory test results are unusual and lead to un-needed additional testing with unnecessary expense. Last, the literature describing the adverse effects of radioiodine on gonadal function is reviewed.