Profile of thyroid dysfunctions among the female population in a rural community of wardha district: A hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are among those chronic health conditions that are highly underdiagnosed and neglected. Hypothyroidism is by far the most common thyroid disorder in the adult population and is more common in older women. Thyroid hormone deficiency can result in mental retardation, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies, and this hypothyroidism can contribute to morbidities ranging from osteoporosis to cardiovascular and neuropsychiatry diseases in the population. The present study was conducted due to the paucity of data regarding the prevalence and patterns of thyroid disorders among women in and around Wardha district. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving a sample size of 40 female participants admitted to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, located at Wardha district in Maharashtra from June to August 2018, who were asked to respond to a Thyroid Assessment Questionnaire. The participants were categorized as euthyroid (normal thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]), hypothyroid (high TSH), and hyperthyroid (low TSH) based on serum thyroid hormone levels. Data were entered into MS Excel and were analyzed for the descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 40 female participants in the age range of 18–70 years, 35% had a hypothyroid gland, 30% had a hyperthyroid gland, 27.5% presented with thyroid nodules, and the remaining 7.5% presented with thyroid cancer. According to the laboratory results, 37.5% of the patients had TSH levels above or equal to 5 uIU/ml, of which 86% complained of unusual hair loss, 73% felt fatigued and had poor concentration, 46% claimed that they experienced palpitations as well as felt depressed, 46% complained of unusual weight gain, 26% complained of dry skin, 13% complained of feeling restless, and 6% had complaints of loose stools. About 30% of the total participants had TSH levels below or equal to 0.25 uIU/ml, 83% of which had complaints of weight loss and heat intolerance, 75% had complaints of unusual hair loss, 41% stated that they experienced slept more than usual, and 35% had complaints of constipation. Conclusion: The major thyroid burden is in between the ages of 30–59, with hypothyroidism being most common.