Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Receiving Vitamin D, Selenomethionine and Myo-Inositol: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis receiving different treatments. The study included euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated or receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, or myo-inositol. Apart from measuring antibody titers and hormone levels, all participants completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). In untreated women, the overall FSFI scores and domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction were lower than in women receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, and myo-inositol. In the vitamin D-treated women, the total FSFI scores and scores for desire and arousal were higher than in women receiving the remaining micronutrients. The BDI-II score was lowest in the vitamin D-treated women and highest in the untreated patients with thyroiditis. Vitamin D-treated women were also characterized by lower antibody titers and higher testosterone levels than the women receiving the remaining micronutrients. There were no differences in sexual functioning and depressive symptoms between the selenomethionine- and myo-inositol-treated women. The study results suggest that although all antibody-lowering treatments are associated with better sexual functioning and well-being in young women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, the greatest benefits are observed in patients receiving vitamin D.