HORMONAL PROFILING OF SERUM TSH, T3, AND T4 LEVELS IN HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHYROID PRE-MENOPAUSAL AND POST-MENOPAUSAL FEMALES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/p2pfdy39Keywords:
Endocrine disorders, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Menopause, Menstrual irregularities, Thyroid hormones, ThyrotropinAbstract
Background: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and reproductive function. Imbalances in these hormones, particularly in women, can lead to menstrual disturbances and endocrine dysfunction. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are prevalent among females, especially during the premenopausal and postmenopausal phases, contributing to alterations in hormonal stability and reproductive health.
Objective: To evaluate serum thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) in premenopausal and postmenopausal females with thyroid dysfunction and to assess the association between thyroid abnormalities and menstrual irregularities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore from March to June 2025. A total of 250 female participants were divided into five groups (n = 50 each): premenopausal hypothyroid (Group A), premenopausal hyperthyroid (Group B), postmenopausal hypothyroid (Group C), postmenopausal hyperthyroid (Group D), and euthyroid controls (Group E). Venous blood samples (3–5 mL) were collected, and serum levels of TSH, T3, and T4 were analyzed using the ELISA technique. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results:TSH, T3, and T4 levels showed statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.032, p < 0.05). Mean TSH levels were 17.9 ± 13.7 µIU/mL and 11.0 ± 3.0 µIU/mL in pre- and postmenopausal hypothyroid females, respectively, compared to 0.20 ± 0.94 µIU/mL and 0.30 ± 0.96 µIU/mL in hyperthyroid females and 3.28 ± 0.39 µIU/mL in controls. Hypothyroid females exhibited low T4 (3.2 ± 0.8 µg/dL) while hyperthyroid females showed elevated T4 (12.4 ± 3.0 µg/dL). Menstrual irregularities were present in 72% of premenopausal hypothyroid and 62% of hyperthyroid females, with no menstrual disturbances reported in postmenopausal groups.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction significantly affects serum TSH, T3, and T4 levels and is strongly associated with menstrual abnormalities in premenopausal women. Routine thyroid screening in women with menstrual irregularities or unexplained endocrine symptoms is recommended for early diagnosis and timely management.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fareen Bano Iftakhar, Syeda Hijab Zainab, Usama Ehsan, Muhammad Umar, Aqsa Shaukat, Taha Rehman, Rimsha Ali, Wasi ur Rehman (Author)
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