Prevalence of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Among Women of Reproductive Age in Wadi-Etba - South of Libya

Abstract

in women of reproductive age, thyroid disorders can be caused by a complex interaction between thyroid hormones and the hypothalamic-pituitary gland. This causes abnormal thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, which can delay puberty, increase early pregnancy loss, and cause recurrent abortions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders in women of reproductive age in Wadi Etba - South of Libya and evaluate the thyroid disease in both non-pregnant and pregnant women. Design and data collection: The study was conducted on 233 women aged 15-49 in reproductive ages, who were tested for thyroid function at Al-Abedin Medical Laboratory Wadi Elba. Data collected over the past five years include T3, T4 and TSH hormones. Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is 45% among 233 women 37 hypothyroid (16%) and 68 hyperthyroid (29%). The thyroid function abnormality is found in 53 non-pregnant women, with 19 hypothyroid (8%) and 34 hyperthyroid (15% ). A total of 52 abnormal thyroid functions were also found in pregnant women (18) hypothyroid (7.7%) and 34 hyperthyroid (15%). Our study found a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the normal/abnormal thyroid function groups.