Thyroid Status, Renal Profile and Electrolytes in Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: Diminished gonadal hormones after menopause are found to influence thyroid status, renal functions as well as electrolyte balance. There are a few published data in this area, to the best of our knowledge. Aim of our study was to compare thyroid status, renal profile and serum electrolytes in postmenopausal women with those in reproductive age group as well as to find the association between them.

Methods: A case control study, which included fifty post menopausal and fifty women in reproductive age group were compared with respect to their thyroid status, renal profile and electrolytes. Statistical analysis was done using Student’s ‘t’ test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Odd’s ratio.

Results: Postmenopausal women had a significantly higher TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels (P<0.05), elevated creatinine (P<0.05), lower eGFR (P<0.001) and sodium levels (P<0.05) as compared to controls. Post menopausal women with higher TSH levels were at greater risk of developing low GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and hyponatremia. A significant positive correlation was observed between age and TSH. A significant negative correlation was observed between TSH and sodium as well as eGFR in post menopausal women.

Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism, altered renal functions and hyponatremia observed in post menopausal women suggest a need for routine screening panel, which includes thyroid and renal function tests.