Thyroid Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women Attending General Health CheckUp at a Tertiary Care Center in Kathmandu: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are increasingly prevalent, with a higher incidence in women, particularly postmenopausal women. Symptoms of menopause, such as irritability, hot flushes, fatigue, and weight gain, often overlap with those of thyroid dysfunction, complicating diagnosis. Identifying thyroid dysfunction in this population is crucial for improving their overall health and preventing complications like cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with untreated thyroid disorders. Methodology: A hospital-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 170 postmenopausal women attending a general health check-up at a tertiary care center in Kathmandu. Ethical approval was obtained from the IRC, and data were collected on thyroid function, including the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and overt hyperthyroidism. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive and inferential statistics used to assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its potential impact on cardiovascular risk and overall health. Results: The average age of participants was 60.59 years. Among the study population, clinical thyroid disorders were observed in 3.53% of participants, with clinical hyperthyroidism at 1.18% and clinical hypothyroidism at 2.35%. Subclinical thyroid disorders were more prevalent, with subclinical hypothyroidism affecting 11.76% and subclinical hyperthyroidism 4.12% of the participants. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of screening for thyroid disorders in postmenopausal women, as 3.53% of participants had clinical thyroid conditions and 15.88% had subclinical disorders. Early detection and treatment of these conditions are crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing related health complications.