EFFECTS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are essential for growth, development and metabolism in many tissues and organs. Currently, it is known that these hormones play an important activity in testicular function in several species through specific receptors located, mainly, in Sertoli cells. The thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, affects testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and may lead to infertility. Although several reproductive changes have been related in animals with hypothyroidism, the results of some studies are controversial and little is known about the direct effects of thyroid hormones in the reproductive system. Through this article, we report a revision in which we will describe the effects of hypothyroidism in the testicular function and accessory glands.