Investigating the Effect of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) on Human Sperm Parameters

Hamid R  Soureshjani; Akbar  Karimi; Soraya  Savoj; Negin Tavakoli; Ali Ajami

doi:10.63053/ijhes.161

Authors

Hamid R Soureshjani 1. Master's degree graduate in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2. Doctoral student in professional medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Akbar Karimi 1. Master's degree graduate in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Soraya Savoj 2. Doctoral student in professional medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Negin Tavakoli 2. Doctoral student in professional medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Ali Ajami 2. Doctoral student in professional medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63053/ijhes.161

Keywords:

Thyroid stimulating hormone, Sperm, Semen, Infertility, Physiological processes

Abstract

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), produced by the pituitary gland, regulates thyroid gland function, and its levels can influence male fertility due to the thyroid's role in sex hormone production. The impact of TSH on semen concentration, sperm count, sperm DNA integrity, and sperm activity has been a subject of extensive research in male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TSH on these parameters using semen and sperm samples from patients referred to the infertility department of Nobel Laboratory in Isfahan, Iran. The research methodology involved statistical analysis, microscopy, flow cytometry, and sperm staining kits for comprehensive sample evaluation. The findings indicate a clear relationship between TSH levels and semen parameters. Non-normal TSH levels (both elevated and reduced) were associated with decreased or excessively increased semen concentration, reduced sperm count, and abnormal sperm morphology, suggesting a potential negative impact on male fertility. Furthermore, abnormal TSH levels correlated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation, highlighting a potential link between thyroid function and sperm genetic integrity. TSH levels were also found to affect sperm activity, with non-normal levels potentially leading to decreased sperm motility and viability. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between TSH and male reproductive health, emphasizing the importance of monitoring TSH levels in male patients with infertility issues and highlighting the potential implications of thyroid dysfunction on sperm quality and fertility outcomes. Further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for thyroid-related male infertility. Our findings suggest that TSH affects sperm and semen, which may be useful for clinicians evaluating male infertility and for developing new treatments.

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