Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk Profiles in Female Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disease, especially in females. While hypothyroidism is a recognized complication, emerging evidence links HT to metabolic disturbances and increased cardiovascular risk. However, the broader systemic effects in untreated patients remain insufficiently clarified.Objectives: To assess the metabolic and cardiovascular risk profiles among women with HT, with a special emphasis on lipid parameters, insulin resistance (IR), and inflammation.Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 100 women: 50 patients with HT (25 newly diagnosed and untreated, and 25 receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy) and 50 age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measures, glycemic status, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were assessed. The evaluated indices included HOMA-IR, triglyceride/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Lipid Comprehensive Index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.Results: Patients with HT had significantly greater body mass index, fasting glucose, fasting triglyceride, LDL-C, IR, and markers of inflammation than controls (all P-values < 0.001). Atherogenic risk, as measured by both AIP and LCI, was significantly elevated in greater than 90% of patients with HT, with the highest burden among untreated patients. While thyroid hormone therapy produced a degree of improvement, a number of cardiometabolic risk factors persisted at elevated levels.Conclusion:  Female patients with HT frequently exhibit adverse metabolic and cardiovascular alterations, likely driven by chronic inflammation and thyroid dysfunction. Early screening and comprehensive management are essential, particularly for newly diagnosed and untreated women with HT.