Screening of Peri- and Postmenopausal Women for Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Objectives 1. To study the prevalence of hypothyroidism in peri- and postmenopausal women 2. To study the correlation of menopausal symptoms with hypothyroidism. Methods Hospital based cross-sectional study carried out at Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, 200 women relatives of indoor patients in obstetrics and gynecology ward were included in study. Subjects included in study were in peri- and postmenopausal age group between 40 to 55 years, provided they fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. History was noted, menopause rating scale (MRS) score was obtained and height and weight was measured and serum TSH estimation was done. Results were noted and analyzed. Results Out of 200 women 25 women had raised TSH levels. Three women had overt hypothyroidism (TSH high, free T4 low), and 22 women had subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH high, free T4 normal). It was observed that out of 94 women who had MRS score, more than 8, 16 (16.6%) women had hypothyroidism and out of 106 women with lower MRS score (1 to 8), nine (8.49%) women had hypothyroidism. Conclusions Prevalence of hypothyroidism is high in peri- and postmenopausal age group (12.5%). Though women with high score are more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism, low score does not preclude the possibility of hypothyroidism. Screening should be done in this age group to prevent complications of hypothyroidism.