ASSOCIATION OF UTERINE FIBROIDS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, often associated with hormonal imbalances. Hypothyroidism, another hormone-related disorder, has been reported to influence gynecological health, including menstrual irregularities and infertility. Since both conditions are hormonally driven, the possibility of an interrelation between thyroid dysfunction, particularly elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and fibroid development warrants investigation to inform clinical assessment and management strategies. The aim was to assess the relationship between hypothyroidism and uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age. This cross-sectional study included 138 women aged 18–50 years. Participants were categorized into two groups based on ultrasound-confirmed presence or absence of uterine fibroids. The mean size of uterus with fibroid and without fibroid was 148±64 and 112±35 mm respectively among affected individuals. Blood samples were analyzed for TSH levels using automated analyzers. Hypothyroidism was determined using a clinical cutoff of TSH > 4.5 mIU/L. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Statistically significant association was not found in hypothyroidism and uterine fibroids (χ² = 0.53, p = 0.467). However, the mean TSH level in women with fibroids was significantly higher (5.33±1.47 mIU/L) than in those without fibroids (3.09±1.12 mIU/L), with a t-value of 6.21 and p < 0.0001. Estimated frequency of elevated TSH (above 4.5 mIU/L) was 71.0% in the fibroid group and 10.5% in the non-fibroid group. This study concluded that hypothyroidism was not statistically associated with fibroid occurrence, however, elevated TSH levels in fibroid patients suggests a potential hormonal link.