Evaluation of Thyroid Status in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is common among postmenopausal women, presenting diagnostic challenges due to symptoms that overlap with menopausal and age-related conditions. Unrecognized thyroid dysfunction can increase risks for cardiovascular disease, bone fractures, cognitive decline, depression, and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate thyroid status in postmenopausal women, addressing a critical gap in understanding its prevalence and impact. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year (June 2022 to May 2023) at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). A total of 100 postmenopausal women were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Each participant underwent detailed history-taking, clinical examination, and relevant laboratory investigations. Data were recorded in case forms and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of participants was 56.08 ± 7.39 years, with most (75%) aged 45-60 years. The mean BMI was 25.60 ± 4.65 kg/m². The mean FT3 was 3.58 ± 2.29 pmol/L, FT4 was 8.29 ± 7.31 pmol/L, and TSH was 5.36 ± 4.53 mIU/L. Anti-TPO antibody was positive in 22% and anti-TG antibody in 38% of participants. Thyroid status assessment showed 54% of participants were euthyroid, 43% were hypothyroid, and 3% were hyperthyroid. Among the 46 women with thyroid dysfunction, subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common (87%), followed by primary hypothyroidism (6.5%), primary hyperthyroidism (4.3%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (2.2%). Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is the predominant thyroid abnormality in postmenopausal women. Given the associated health risks, routine thyroid function screening in postmenopausal women is recommended, and further community-based studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide management.