Abstract:
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition influenced not only
by age but also by endocrine and inflammatory mechanisms [1,2]. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, has
been associated with systemic inflammation, which may contribute to impaired reproductive potential [3,4]. Objective: To
evaluate systemic inflammatory markers in women with DOR according to thyroid status (hypothyroidism or euthyroidism),
with a focus on C-reactive protein (CRP), complement components C3 and C4, and ceruloplasmin. Methods: A comparative
cross-sectional study was conducted including 80 women of reproductive age diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve.
The study group consisted of 40 women with DOR and clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism, while the second group
included 40 women with DOR and normal thyroid function. Serum levels of CRP, complement components C3 and C4, and
ceruloplasmin were measured using standardized laboratory methods [5,6]. Statistical analysis was performed using
Student’s t-test in SPSS v26.0, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated
significantly elevated levels of CRP, complement C3 and C4, and ceruloplasmin, indicating the presence of systemic
inflammation. However, women with DOR and hypothyroidism exhibited significantly higher concentrations of all assessed
inflammatory markers compared with euthyroid women with DOR (p < 0.05) [7]. Conclusion: DOR is associated with
a pronounced pro-inflammatory profile that is further exacerbated by hypothyroidism [8–10]. These findings highlight
the potential role of thyroid-related systemic inflammation in reproductive dysfunction and support the inclusion of
inflammatory marker assessment in the clinical evaluation of women with DOR.
