Subclinical Hypothyroidism is Associated with Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and association of atherogenic lipid profile in postmenopausal women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials (Subjects) and Methods: This as a prospective clinical study included 140 postmenopausal women. In all subjects, basic sociodemographic and anthropometric data, hormonal status of the thyroid gland, and lipid profile were determined. The subjects were followed for a period of 30 months. Results: The subclinical hypothyroidism in postmenopausal women was significantly associated with higher levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and lower HDL-C (p=0.009, p=0.01, p=0.023, p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the analysis of repeated measures showed that subclinical hypothyroidism, irrespective of age and duration of postmenopause, was associated with higher levels of serum cholesterol (adjusted beta: 0.43, CI: 0.12, 0.74, p=0.007), triglycerides (adjusted beta: 0.52, CI: 0.21, 0.84, p=0.001) and LDL-C (adjusted beta: 0.35, CI: 0.03, 0.67, p=0.03), and lower levels of serum HDL-C (adjusted beta: -0.48, CI: -0.81, 0.15, p=0.004) Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with atherogenic lipid profile in postmenopausal women.