A study of thyroid disorders in females attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care institute of central India

摘要

Background: The study was conducted with an objective to study the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction and to correlate clinical symptoms with abnormal thyroid function. Methods: A total no. of 1010 women, attending the Gynecology and Medicine OPD of M.Y. Hospital, Indore, MP were subjected to screening with TSH levels estimation. The women with abnormal TSH values were then evaluated for various clinical symptoms. Results: Out of total 1010 women, 120 had abnormal TSH. The prevalence was high (11.88%). Hypothyroidism (71.66%) was more common than hyperthyroidism (28.33%). The incidence of thyroid disorders was higher with advancing age. Abnormal TSH levels had a linear correlation with increasing BMI. Majority of the patients presented with vague symptoms commonest being weight changes (24.15%). Abnormal uterine bleeding (5.8%) and infertility (5.8%) were the chief gynecological complaints. Hypertension was strongly associated with thyroid dysfunction. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is a highly prevalent problem in female population. Estimation of TSH level is a good screening tool; however complete thyroid profile is required before initiating treatment. The incidence increases with advancing age, hypothyroidism being the more common variant. Classical symptoms may not be present in majority of patients who have a vague clinical picture. This study recommends universal screening of women for thyroid dysfunction in view of high prevalence, vague and varied presentation.