Objective evaluation of thyroid function in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is more prevalent among elderly female. Assessment of thyroid dysfunction in the postmenopausal women is difficult due to their age, associated comorbidities, and ongoing treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the thyroid status, presence of relative estrogen dominance and correlation of thyroid status with reproductive hormones in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This cross-section study consists 40 postmenopausal women between age group 45 and 55 years. All participants were subjected to measure serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Based on TSH levels, subjects were divided into normal thyroid function group (n = 12) and abnormal thyroid function group (n = 12). Serum was assayed for thyroxin binding globin (TBG), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO), estrogen, progesterone, and progesterone to estrogen ratio (P: E) in subjects of both the groups. Results: Around, 12 (30%) postmenopausal women had TSH values outside the range of 0.3–6.5 μIU/mL. TPO was positive only in one subject and 12.5% showed elevated TBG levels in abnormal thyroid group. Mean estrogen levels were significantly high, mean progesterone levels were significantly low and P: E was low in abnormal thyroid level group. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed on comparing the mean values of serum estrogen, progesterone, and P: E ratio among the groups. A significant positive correlation between TSH and serum estrogen, progesterone, and P: E and inverse correlation between estrogen and P: E was observed in abnormal thyroid level group. Conclusion: The thyroid dysfunction in postmenopausal women is associated with estrogen dominance. Therefore, menopausal women should be routinely screened for thyroid dysfunction, as part of their annual examination.