Association of Anti-Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antibodies with Female Infertility: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Background: Infertility affects 10-15% of couples globally with female factors contributing to nearly half of cases. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly involving thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs), plays a crucial role in reproductive health. Autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are linked to infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications. This study investigates the association between anti-TSH receptor antibodies and female infertility, aiming to clarify their impact on reproductive outcomes. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between anti-TSH receptor antibodies and Female infertility. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023 at Dhaka Medical College in collaboration with the National Institute of ENT. Ninety infertile women aged 18–40 years were recruited using purposive sampling. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for anti-TSH receptor antibodies and serum TSH levels. Data were processed using SPSS version 25 with ethical approval obtained. Result: Among 90 infertile women, 68.9% were aged 21-30 years (mean: 26.82 ± 5.37) and 74.4% had a normal BMI (23.47 ± 2.54 kg/m²). The IQR for marital age (4.25) was higher than for infertility duration (2.62). Median Anti-TSH receptor antibody was 0.82 IU/L (IQR: 0.56–1.14), and serum TSH was 2.65 µIU/mL (IQR: 1.30–5.35). Elevated Anti-TSH receptor antibody is strongly correlated with high TSH (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid autoimmunity, marked by elevated Anti-TSH receptor antibodies, significantly impacts female infertility, highlighting thyroid dysfunction's role in reproduction.