Subclinical hyperthyroidism as a potential factor for dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the functional status of the thyroid gland in apparently euthyroid women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Materials and methods. Forty apparently euthyroid women with menorrhagia and no pathologic lesion in the genital tract were compared with 20 women having normal menstrual cycles as controls. All women underwent hormonal evaluation: serum total and free triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum prolactin.

Results. Statistically significant differences were observed in the values of TSH, total T₃, free T₃, free T₄ and total T₄ between the menorrhagia and the control group. Prolactin was increased significantly in the menorrhagia group.

Conclusion. Subclinical hyperthyroidism can be a potential risk factor for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Other studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Keywords:

• Menorrhagia
• thyroid hormones
• hyperthyroidism
• prolactin