Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hypogonadism is related to additional endocrine abnormalities. Thyroid abnormalities may be common in hypogonadism patients, although this association is not clear.

Objective: In this study, we examined the incidence of thyroid disorders in hypogonadisms.

Methods: A case–control study of 68 hypogonadal patients and 74 age-matched healthy controls from the general population was conducted. Thyroid function, thyroid volume measurements, and presence of thyroid autoantibodies were examined.

Results: The mean BMI and age of the patient and control groups were similar (P=0.43 and P=0.407 respectively). The thyroid status differed significantly between the patient and control groups (P=0.002). In the patient group, 55 (80%) patients were euthyroid, 10 (14%) patients were hypothyroid, and 3 (6%) patients were hyperthyroid. In the control group, 71 (95%) subjects were euthyroid, and 1 (5%) was hypothyroid. Serum TSH levels were significantly higher in hypogonadal patients than in controls (P=0.018); however, serum free T₄ and free T₃ levels did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.29 and P=0.63 respectively). The presence of thyroid autoantibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG) did not differ significantly between the patient and control groups (P=0.49 and P=0.89 respectively). There were no differences observed by ultrasonography between the patient and control groups. The thyroid volumes of the right and left lobes were measured. There were no significant differences in thyroid volumes of the patient and control groups (59.67±30.34 and 68.02±43.45 ml respectively; P=0.22).

Conclusion: A high incidence of hyperthyroidism and a high incidence of hypothyroidism were observed in hypogonadal patients.