Helle Folge Bungum*, Diana Grove-Laugesen, Eva Ebbehoj, Ulla Breth Knudsen

Hypothyroidism, often caused by anti-thyroid antibodies (TAI), is associated with both adverse maternal and foetal outcome. Studies have indicated that the risk of TAI is higher in infertile women suffering from endometriosis. By reviewing the literature, this study aimed to clarify whether women with infertility due to endometriosis, seeking fertility treatment were more prone to have TAI than women with other causes of infertility.

PubMed, Embase, SveMed, Cochrane and Cinahl were searched for studies on the presence of antithyroid antibodies in infertile women with endometriosis.

Three studies qualified and were included. The prevalence of TAI among infertile women with endometriosis varied from 20 to 29% vs. 14 to 22% among women with other causes of infertility, but only one study found a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in infertile women with endometriosis.

Due to the sparse literature and small study groups, no firm conclusion could be drawn. As the consequences of missing subclinical hypothyroidism may be severe, this urgently calls for large studies on TAI in infertile women to elucidate the cost effectiveness in screening all infertile women.

Cite this Article: Bungum HF, Grove-Laugesen D, Ebbehoj E, Knudsen UB. Are Infertile Women with Endometriosis More Prone for Thyroid Autoimmunity? A Systematic Review. SRL Reprod Med Gynecol. 2016;2(1): 001-005.

Published: 05 October 2016