BACKGROUND: Thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity) have been independently associated with fertility di- sorders and pregnancy failure, both in case of spontaneous conception and/ or after assisted reproduction technology (ART). Several studies have looked at the association between thyroid dysfunctions, thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) and reproduction. The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of thyroid diseases, starting from birth, on female infertility, by means of review of the recent pertinent literature.
METHODS: We reviewed the pertinent literature regarding the association between thyroid diseases and female infertility off the main international database (MEDLINE, PubMed).
RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunctions, associated or not with thyroid autoimmunity, can alter ovulation and the associated immunoendocrine processes with con- sequent menstrual irregularities. These complexes endocrine disruptions can result in mild to severe fertility disorders and increased spontaneous abor- tions. Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of miscar- riage and preterm delivery, both in spontaneous pregnancies as well as in pregnancies after ART.
CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid dysfunctions may lead to menstrual disorders and infertility via direct and indirect interactions with the hypothalamo-pituitary- ovarian axis and the reproductive organs.
In the management of the infertile woman, the complete screening of thyroid hormones and autoimmunity is recommended in order to promptly treat any hormonal dysfunctions that may be a cofactor or the cause of infertility. Fur- ther studies are needed to improve diagnostic and therapeutic fertility issues associated with or due to thyroid disorders.

Keywords: hashimoto’s thyroiditis; Basedow-Graves’disease; hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism; female infertility; thyroid autoimmunity.