Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 1-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260201
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Correlation Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Women of Reproductive Age
Rameshwari Malshetty1, Sharada S. Gudage2, Sachin C. Gudage3, Mahesh B. Tondare4
1Assistant Professor, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar – Karnataka
2Assistant Professor, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad – Telangana
3Associate Professor, Dept of General Medicine, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar – Karnataka
4Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar – Karnataka
Corresponding Author: Dr. Mahesh B. Tondare
ABSTRACT
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common gynecological complaints among reproductive-age women, often resulting from hormonal imbalances. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in maintaining menstrual regularity and endometrial stability. This study aimed to assess the correlation between thyroid dysfunction and AUB patterns in women of reproductive age.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 women aged 15-45 years presenting with AUB at a tertiary care center. Detailed clinical history, menstrual pattern, physical examination, and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were categorized as euthyroid or having thyroid dysfunction (subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism). Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with appropriate statistical tests, and p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among women with AUB was 36.0% (95% CI: 28.8-43.9%). Subclinical hypothyroidism (18.7%) was the most common abnormality, followed by overt hypothyroidism (12.0%) and hyperthyroidism (5.3%). Women with thyroid dysfunction had significantly higher BMI (27.2 ± 3.9 vs. 24.9 ± 3.6 kg/m²; p<0.001), lower hemoglobin (11.1 ± 1.6 vs. 11.9 ± 1.4 g/dL; p=0.002), and higher PBAC scores (198 ± 74 vs. 142 ± 58; p<0.001) compared to euthyroid women. Oligomenorrhea was significantly associated with hypothyroidism (30.4% vs. 14.6%; p=0.026). TSH showed a positive correlation with menstrual blood loss (r=+0.41; p<0.001) and cycle-length variability (r=+0.35; p<0.001).
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, is prevalent among women with AUB and contributes significantly to menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. Routine thyroid function testing should be incorporated into the diagnostic evaluation of AUB to ensure early detection, cost-effective management, and prevention of long-term complications.
Key words: Thyroid dysfunction, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Subclinical hypothyroidism.