Evaluation of the Sexual Function of Female Patients with Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are risk factors for sexual dysfunction and may have negative impacts on the sexual health of female patients. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the sexual function of female patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Methodology: This descriptive study consisted of 166 female hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients who attended a general surgery clinic of a state hospital. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index. For data analysis, variance analysis, an independent sample t-test, and Pearson's chi-square test were conducted. Results: The average sexual function score of the participants was 11.48 ± 9.44, and 96.4% of the participants had sexual dysfunction problems. The following factors were associated with significantly low sexual function scores: a low education level, living in a rural area, obesity, and being a nonsmoker. In addition, having an arranged marriage, believing that sex was not important, not receiving sex education, and not working outside the homemaker were associated with significantly low sexual function scores. Sexual function scores were positively associated with age at the time of marriage and negatively associated with waist circumference and the duration of the disorder. Conclusion: Nearly all the participants had sexual dysfunction. A low education level, living in rural areas, being obese, not smoking, believing that sex was not important, not receiving sex education, and having an arranged marriage were associated with sexual dysfunction. Based on the findings, we suggest that nurses should address sexual health issues faced by female patients with hypo- and hyperthyroidism.