Hypothyroidism and possible association with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Thyroid dysfunctions are the most common forms of endocrine disorder in our country, Thyroid hormones perform a wide array of metabolic functions including regulation of lipids, carbohydrates, protein and electrolytes and mineral metabolism, Thyroid hormones are major regulatory hormones that controls the rate of metabolic function and alteration in the levels of thyroid hormones may be associated with metabolic syndrome Aim: The study was performed to investigate the association between Altered thyroid state i.e hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: The study was done on patients with symptoms of hypothyroidism or follow up cases of hypothyroidism having metabolic syndrome. T3, T4 and TSH and were analyzed by enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) technique using Vidas auto analyzer from Biomeriuex, France. Fasting blood sugar and lipid profile were estimated by Erba Chem 7 semi-auto analyzer. The data was analyzed using SPSS-17 software package. Results: The percentage of metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism in each age group were determined and we have found that the percentage of metabolic syndrome is increasing with age and is highest 60 % in the age group of 61-75 years, both T3, T4 are comparably decreased but TSH is on the higher side in metabolic syndrome as compared to non-metabolic syndrome Conclusion: Patients having Thyroid dysfunction should regularly be checked for parameters of metabolic syndrome: Early detection of thyroid dysfunction and treatment can prevent the complications of metabolic syndrome.