Thyroid Dysfunction in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women- Cumulative Risks

Background: Menopausal estrogen depletion increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and of osteoporosis. Both of these risks can be increased by thyroid dysfunction as well. This cumulation of risks will be presented. Methods: This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed (publications dated January 2000 to October 2022) for clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews containing the keywords ,,menopause and thyroid disorders." Results: Hyperthyroidism and menopause have similar symptoms. Decreased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are found in 8-10% of women in their fifth and sixth decades. TSH is decreased in 21.6-27.2% of women treated with L-thyroxine; decreased TSH is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.3; 8.0]) and increased mortality of all causes (HR 2.1; 95% CI: [1.2; 3.8]). Menopausal estrogen depletion accelerates the risk of cardiovascular disease and causes a disproportionate loss of bone density. In hyperthyroidism, bone density is decreased, and the risk of vertebral fractures is increased (HR 3.57; 95% CI: [1.88; 6.78]). Conclusion: The risk of heart diseases and bone diseases accelerates around the time of the menopause. Early detection and treatment of hyperthyroidism, which can further elevate the risk of both of these diseases is therefore required. In perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who are being treated for hypothyroidism, TSH suppression must be avoided. Thyroid dysfunction is common in women; its manifestations are less obvious with advancing age, making clinical diagnosis more difficult, yet it can have major deleterious effects. Thus, the indications for measuring TSH in perimenopausal women should be kept broad, rather than restrictive.