Study of thyroid profile in pre and post-menopausal women: a case control study

Abstract

Background:The prevalence and incidence of thyroid disorders is influenced primarily by sex and age are more common in women and in older adults. Thyroid disorders if left untreated will increase risk of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. Hence, screening for thyroid dysfunction must be done as routine investigation in the women presenting with menopausal symptoms.Methods:This case control study includes 50 pre-menopausal women of age group 34-49 years and 50 post-menopausal women of age group 50-55 years, visiting General medicine department of Victoria hospital and hospital affiliated to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. All the subjects were subjected for serum triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 and T4 levels.Results:Out of all subjects; 23 were hyperthyroid out of which 14 were post-menopausal women, 37 were hypothyroid out of which 19 were post-menopausal women. Chi-square test showed no significant association. Negative and weak correlation was seen between total T3 and age; total T4 and age; TSH and age; free T3 and age; free T4 and age in pre-menopausal women. Negative and moderate correlation was seen between total T3 and age; total T4 and age; free T3 and age. There was a positive and weak correlation seen between TSH and age; weak positive non-significant correlation seen between free T4 and age. Significant correlation was seen between total T3 and age in post-menopausal women.Conclusions:Post-menopausal women should be monitored for serum T3, T4, TSH levels for reducing risk of thyroid dysfunction.\xa0