Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among young females of urban and rural population in and around Bangalore

Priyanka.A; Sahana K.R; Geetha H

Volume : IX, Issue : XI, November - 2019

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among young females of urban and rural population in and around Bangalore

Priyanka. A, Sahana K. R, Geetha H

Abstract :

Background: Endocrine disorders are common amongst Indian population, out of which thyroid disorders represent an important subset of these endocrine disorders. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism in young women is linked to menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovaries and infertility. Also, several studies have highlighted the importance of diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Hence, this study was done to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in young women attending our hospital who are going to become pregnant in future. Methods: This study was done in Bowring and lady Curzon hospital, Bangalore, South India; we used the electronic data of patients of who consulted during May 2019 to July 2019. The study subjects (611) were females aged 18–30years. Thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH), FT3 and FT4 assays were done in all blood samples as a screening test for thyroid disease. Results: A total of 611 subjects were screened of whom 187 subjects (30.6%) had abnormal TSH. Out of which the prevalence of elevated TSH was 8.51%, and 14.73 % had mild TSH elevation. A low TSH was seen in 7.37% of the study population. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was common in young women in south India. One out of every eight young women had thyroid dysfunction, and mild TSH elevation was the most common abnormality. Hence thyroid screening should be included in medical check–up in all Hospitals.