Thyroid-stimulating hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone status in Hispanic women during the menopause transition

Few studies exist on thyroid status and ovarian dysfunction, although the prevalence of thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, increases with advanced age and is more common in women. Loss of ovarian function is a lengthy process, and it is well known that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increases with age and is correlated with loss of ovarian reserves. Limited information is available on FSH and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) status in healthy euthyroid women in pre- and postmenopause states. We propose that patterns in FSH levels depend on the menopause state and that a possible relationship with TSH is present in mature women.

Baseline data from the study Health and Menopause in Hispanic Women in Puerto Rico were used. Eligible women were 30-84 years old. Demographic data and lifestyle and health information were collected through a questionnaire, and blood chemistries were analyzed.

In women without thyroid disease, the median TSH was 1.97 mIU/L, and for euthyroid women the median was 1.84 mIU/L; no difference was observed between pre- and postmenopause states. A positive tendency was found between FSH levels and age in this group.

This report compares the value of TSH in Puerto Rican women during pre- and postmenopausal states, and our findings are different from those in other ethnic groups. FSH levels correlate with age, and the general tendency of FSH to increase with age differs according to menopause state. No correlation between TSH and FSH levels was found in this study.