Menopause and Thyroid Hormone Efficiency.
Rita I got back to Lakeland late yesterday evening and worked a shift in the ED today. We were visiting with several new clients in the Philadelphia area one of which noted increasing fatigue, a drop in energy, and overall "blah" who was convinced that their symptoms were related to a drop in Testosterone levels. While some of that may be true, we know the active form of thyroid hormone also contributes to these particular symptoms as well. I happened to come across this relatively new article showing a drop in Free T3 levels that occurred during the Menopausal timeline. I know I have been promoting thyroid hormone quite a bit lately, but when it targets nearly every system in the body it's hard not to provide education and love in this regard. We have even heard, "but my levels are normal". . . .normal is not optimal! And the reality is, sometimes the affinity for these receptors is lost with aging. . . essentially hormonal resistance; you know, like insulin resistance!. Ok, on to the study!
Introduction to the Study
Menopause signifies the culmination of a woman's reproductive phase and introduces considerable physiological modifications. The thyroid gland, crucial for managing body metabolism, also impacts sexual maturation and reproductive functions. Intriguingly, around the world, thyroid ailments predominantly affect women, with a significant ratio manifesting among those transitioning through menopause.
Research Context and Methodology
Set in Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria, this particular study sought to discern the repercussions of menopause on thyroid functionality. The research employed a case-control approach, focusing on post-menopausal women and juxtaposing their data with pre-menopausal women for comparative analysis. Each group comprised 45 women, selected through simple random sampling techniques.
Data was sourced using a meticulously designed semi-structured questionnaire. For an in-depth understanding, the study also analyzed participants’ blood samples, assessed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) levels via the ELISA method. Complementary data, including body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, were recorded using established standards.
Key Findings
The data unveiled compelling insights. Menopausal participants exhibited pronounced serum elevations in free T4 and TSH levels when pitted against the pre-menopausal faction. After factoring in age and BMI considerations, this trend persisted: menopausal women demonstrated elevated TSH and free T4 levels, juxtaposed with diminished free T3 levels. A notable differential was also identified in blood pressure metrics, with menopausal subjects registering markedly higher systolic and diastolic measurements.
Duru, O.A., et. al. 2023. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH & MEDICAL RESEARCH. Volume 2(8): 231-234.
Concluding Remarks
Reflecting on this study, it becomes evident that menopause potentially correlates with declining thyroid efficiency. This finding might illuminate its consequential bearing on cardiovascular irregularities in women, thereby enriching our understanding of a significant facet of women's health. We keep trying to explain that the actual numbers may mean very little; the trend is important but one's symptoms are much more important to us. Jason & Rita...aka Dr. De Leon and Dr. Gillespie.
