Best Treatment for Women With Both (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) PCOS and Subclinical Hypothyroidism
- Conditions
- Female InfertilityPCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) of Bilateral OvariesSubclinical Hypothyroidism
- Interventions
- Registration Number
- NCT06041204
- Lead Sponsor
- Muhamed Ahmed Abdelmoaty Muhamed Alhagrasy
- Brief Summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare letrozole alone versus letrozole plus levothyroxine for ovulation induction in infertile women with both PCOS and subclinical hypothyroidism. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Is letrozole plus levothyroxine superior to letrozole alone in achieving ovulation in these patients? Does combining levothyroxine with letrozole lead to higher pregnancy and live birth rates compared to letrozole alone?
Participants will be randomized into two groups:
Group 1 will receive letrozole only, starting at 2.5 mg daily from day 3 to 7 of the menstrual cycle. The dose will be increased up to 7.5 mg if no ovulation occurs, for a maximum treatment period of 6 months or until pregnancy is achieved.
Group 2 will receive letrozole at the same doses as group 1 plus 25 mcg levothyroxine daily.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 200
Age between 20-40 years
BMI between 18-35 kg/m2
Meet diagnostic criteria for PCOS based on the Rotterdam consensus criteria and ESHRE/ASRM modifications (2018):
Oligo- and/or anovulation Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Subclinical hypothyroidism defined as TSH level between 5-10 mIU/L with normal free T4
Infertility duration ≥ 1 year
Intact ovaries and uterus, confirmed by physical exam and imaging
Normal semen analysis in male partner
No tubal or peritoneal factor contributing to infertility
Effective contraception if not attempting conception
Willing and able to provide informed consent
Known thyroid disease or on thyroid medications
Abnormal thyroid function tests other than subclinical hypothyroidism
Hyperprolactinemia
Presence of other causes of infertility such as:
Moderate to severe male factor infertility Bilateral tubal occlusion or peritoneal factors Stage III-IV endometriosis Ovarian failure or insufficiency (high FSH or low AMH)
Previous diagnosis of any type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1C >8%)
History of deep vein thrombosis or thromboembolic events
Any contraindication to letrozole or levothyroxine
Previous use of letrozole or levothyroxine in past 6 months
Current or suspected pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Inability to comply with treatment and follow-up procedures
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Letrozole plus levothyroxine Levothyroxine 25 Mcg (0.025 Mg) Oral Tablet Participants randomized to this group will take letrozole tablets at same dose and schedule as letrozole only group. In addition, they will take levothyroxine tablets orally once daily. Levothyroxine dose will start at 25mcg and be titrated based on TSH level, with a target TSH in the normal range. Participants will take levothyroxine at approximately same time each day. Letrozole dosing and schedule as described for other group. Treatment continues for up to 6 ovulatory cycles or until pregnancy occurs. Ovulation assessed by follicular monitoring and progesterone. Compliance monitored by pill counts, TSH levels and diary. Routine antenatal care if pregnant. Adverse effects monitored per guidelines. Participants followed for multiple pregnancies. Maximum treatment period is 6 months. Letrozole Group Letrozole 2.5mg Participants randomized to letrozole group will take 5mg tablets orally daily for 5 days starting on day 3 of cycle. Dose can be adjusted up to 7.5mg based on ovulation response, maintained for subsequent cycles. Treatment continues for up to 6 ovulatory cycles or until pregnancy occurs. Ovulation assessed by follicular monitoring and progesterone. Compliance monitored by pill counts and diary. Routine antenatal care if pregnant. Adverse effects monitored per guidelines. Participants followed for multiple pregnancies. Tablets taken at same time each day. Maximum treatment period is 6 months. Letrozole plus levothyroxine Letrozole 2.5mg Participants randomized to this group will take letrozole tablets at same dose and schedule as letrozole only group. In addition, they will take levothyroxine tablets orally once daily. Levothyroxine dose will start at 25mcg and be titrated based on TSH level, with a target TSH in the normal range. Participants will take levothyroxine at approximately same time each day. Letrozole dosing and schedule as described for other group. Treatment continues for up to 6 ovulatory cycles or until pregnancy occurs. Ovulation assessed by follicular monitoring and progesterone. Compliance monitored by pill counts, TSH levels and diary. Routine antenatal care if pregnant. Adverse effects monitored per guidelines. Participants followed for multiple pregnancies. Maximum treatment period is 6 months.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pregnancy rate Assessed at the end of each cycle. the cycles are 6. Each cycle is 28 days. Biochemical evidence of pregnancy by positive urine or serum β-hCG test.
Live birth rate Through study completion average 1 year. The number of deliveries that resulted in a live born baby, documented by hospital delivery records.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Ovulation rate Assessed at the end of each cycle. the cycles are 6. Each cycle is 28 days. Evidence of ovulation by ultrasound monitoring of dominant follicle development and serum progesterone level \> 3 ng/mL in mid-luteal phase.
Miscarriage rate Through study completion average 1 year. Loss of clinical pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, confirmed by ultrasound or histopathology.
Menstrual regularity Through study completion average 1 year. Normal ovulatory menstrual cycles defined as cycle length 21-35 days.
Side effects Through study completion average 1 year. Participant reports of adverse effects of letrozole or levothyroxine, graded per standard criteria.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Al-Hussein University Hospital
🇪🇬Cairo, Egypt