Thyroid Hormones in Male Reproduction and Fertility

Abstract

Thyroid hormones, previously thought not to affect spermatogenesis and male fertility, are now being recognized as having important role in spermatogenesis. The identification of thyroid hormone receptors on Sertoli cells, the nurturing cells for sperm in the testis, has embarked further research to investigate the role of thyroid hormones in male reproduction. Since spermatogenesis occurs in close contact with the Sertoli cells, the thyroid hormones must exert significant regulatory role in sperm production. Therefore, disturbances in the thyroid function could affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. Studies on human subjects and animals models are now revealing further insights into the effect of thyroid hormones on male fertility and infertility. The present review provides an update on the role of thyroid hormones in spermatogenesis and male fertility.