Hydrogen Water Improves Sperm Health in Thyroid Disorder Study

Influence of hydrogen-rich water on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in experimentally induced hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism models

Research hubs: Reproductive System · Endocrine System

Evidence type
Animal study (rat)
Authors
Mohammad Saroughi, Khatereh Kharazmi, Seyedeh Zahra Asghari, Akram Aminian, Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari, Elahe Eshtad, Alex Tarnava, Tyler W LeBaron, Majid Khazaei
Journal
Reproductive Toxicology
Year
2025
DOI
10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109146
Study Type
Rat
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
Iran
Health Condition
Hypothyroidism
Body System
Reproductive

This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.

TL;DR

Hydrogen-rich water improved sperm quality and hormone levels in hypothyroid rats by reducing oxidative stress and supporting testicular function.

Key Finding

Hydrogen-rich water improved sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone levels in rats with hypothyroidism, while also reducing oxidative stress markers.

Summary

This study tested whether hydrogen-rich water could help restore reproductive function in rats with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Researchers found that rats with hypothyroidism had lower sperm counts, reduced sperm movement, and lower testosterone levels. When these rats drank hydrogen-rich water for four weeks, their sperm parameters improved, testosterone levels increased, and markers of cellular damage (oxidative stress) decreased.

Practical Takeaway

This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help counteract reproductive problems caused by low thyroid hormone by reducing cellular damage. However, this is early-stage animal research only—human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about whether it would work in people with thyroid conditions.

Abstract (excerpt)

Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, disrupts metabolic processes and impairs reproductive function. It is suggested that oxidative stress plays a key role in mediating the deleterious effects of hypothyroidism on testicular function and because…

Read the full abstract via DOI