Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common problem and its management can be complex. Thyroid hormones play a key role in the menstrual and reproductive function of women. It is recognized universally that menstrual disturbances may accompany clinical alterations in thyroid function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may result in menstrual disturbances. Since thyroid dysfunction is commonly prevalent in women, present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders in abnormal uterine bleeding patients.
Aims and objectives
• To estimate the prevalence of thyroid disorders in women in reproductive age group with abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB).
• To evaluate thyroid function tests in women with AUB.
• To assess the menstrual patterns in women with thyroid disorders.
Material and methods
Study design: Hospital based Cross sectional study. Study area: Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram – 608 002. Study period: 2 year
Materials: A predesigned and restructured questionnaire, routine blood investigation, trans-abdominal USG, serum T3, T4, TSH. Sample size: 100. Sampling: Systematic Random Sampling. Statistical Analysis: Analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.2.
Results: Most of the AUB cases were in the age group of 30 - 45 years, (78%) followed by 21-30 years (13%) and 9% were in the age group of <20 years. Thyroid disorders were prevalent in 30% of the women studied. Hypothyroidism was present in 27% and Hyperthyroidism in 3% of the women with AUB. Thyroid dysfunction was most common in women aged between 30 – 45 yrs i.e. (82%). The commonest menstrual complaint was menorrhagia which was present in 72% of the AUB cases.
Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with menstrual disturbances (abnormal uterine bleeding). Prevalence of hypothyroidism was more common than hyperthyroidism in AUB cases. Thyroid function tests should be performed in all patients with menstrual irregularities (AUB) to avoid unnecessary interventions.
