Treatment of high-normal TSH levels in women with unexplained infertility is associated with an increased conception rate

This Medfyle was published more than two years ago. More recent Medfyle on this topic may now be available.

Key messages

• Women with unexplained infertility (UI) are significantly more likely to have a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in the high-normal range (TSH 2.5-5 mIU/L) compared to control subjects, potentially reflecting a mildly underactive thyroid gland.
• It is not known whether treating high-normal TSH levels with thyroid hormone replacement results in a higher rate of conception.
• Women with infertility and TSH levels between 2.5-5 mIU/L were studied to compare rates of conception in those who were treated with thyroid hormone replacement versus those who were not.
• A significantly higher percentage of women treated with levothyroxine (100%) achieved pregnancy compared to those not treated with levothyroxine (92%).
• Prospective, randomized studies are needed to determine whether treatment with levothyroxine could improve conception rates in patients with high-normal TSH levels.