Review article

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.5.4

Thyroid hormones in female and male reproduction with special reference to dogs and cats

Nikolina Petričević ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Ana Shek Vugrovečki ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska *
Suzana Milinković Tur ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Stefani Fruk ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučiišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Gabrijela Jurkić Krsteska ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučiišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Silvijo Vince ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Kastriot Belegu ; Poljoprivredno sveučilište u Tirani, Veterinarski fakultet, Albanija
Gerald Muca ; Poljoprivredno sveučilište u Tirani, Veterinarski fakultet, Albanija
Jadranka Pejakivić Hlede ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Dražen Đuričić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Ivona Žura Žaja ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Thyroid hormones have an important function in numerous physiological processes in humans and animals, including the regulation of metabolism, growth and development of individual and reproductive function. The thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), have a direct effect on the reproductive organs
and an indirect effect in interaction with other hormones. Thyroid hormones influence the reproductive system by regulating metabolism and tissue development of the ovaries, uterus and placenta. Changes in the serum concentrations of T3 and T4 lead to disturbances in overall body function. Thyroid dysfunction, including
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can lead to significant reproductive problems. The aim of this review was to describe the functions of thyroid hormones and the effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on the
animal reproductive system. Hypothyroidism is often caused by autoimmune diseases such as lymphocytic thyroiditis, and is associated with later puberty, reduced fertility and abnormalities in reproductive organ development. Hypothyroidism can lead to a prolonged interval, absent cycles, silent oestrus cycles, prolonged
oestrus bleeding, and a lack of libido, with the occurrence of infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths and mummified foetuses. In males, hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in libido, semen quality, ejaculate volume, testicular atrophy, hypospermia and azoospermia. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is usually the result of thyroid cancer, which produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Increased concentrations of thyroid hormones lead to disturbances in the physiological balance of reproductive hormones, irregular oestrus cycles,
anovulation and reduced fertility, as well as a decrease in the weight of the ovaries and the number of healthy follicles, with a simultaneous increase in the number of atretting follicles. The effects of hyperthyroidism on male fertility include disorders of spermatogenesis, changes in sex hormone levels and changes in sperm quality, such as hypospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. It is important to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders in time in order to prevent negative effects on fertility and reproduction in animals.

Keywords

thyroid hormones; reproductive system; hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism

Hrčak ID:

320629

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/320629

Publication date:

3.4.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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