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Krassas et al., Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece, did 2 semen analysis at intervals
of 2–3 weeks in a prospective study in 23 thyrotoxic patients at baseline
and 6 months after euthyroidism by treatment with methimazole only or in combination
with 131-I. The results were compared with semen analysis of 15 healthy males. At
baseline, mean semen volume was normal between patients and controls. Sperm
density was lower in patients but did not reach significance. Mean motility was
significantly lower in patients without significant differences in morphology.
After treatment, sperm density and motility improved and restoration of parameters
was independent of type of treatment. Ceccarelli et al., Pisa, Italy, did a similar study. They performed semen analysis in 20 patients with hyperthyroidism and found a somewhat lower sperm count that was not statistically different from controls. However, of the patients, 3 were oligospermic, 13 had asthenospermia, and 19 had teratospermia. Comment: Unfortunately no semen analysis was reported after euthyroidism was achieved. Matejkova-Behanova et al., Prague, Czech Republic, did spectral analysis of heart rate variability in 10 women with subclinical hyperthyroidism, mean age 46.9 years, and compared results with controls. There was no difference in mean R-R intervals in patients and controls. Power of high frequency band (HF), that is associated with parasympathetic tone, was significantly lower in patients but no difference was found in power of low frequency band (LF) which is modulated by sympathetic tone. The LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in patients, both in upright and supine positions. The results are interpreted as caused by a decreased vagal tone or less sensitivity to parasympathetic stimuli of cardiac muscle when exposed to increased thyroid hormone levels. |
