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Published on: January 5, 2024
[Thyroid dysfunction in women with suspected fibromyalgia]
J Rodríguez-Espinosa1, C Díaz-López, M Guinot
1Servei de Bioquímica Clínica. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Barcelona. España.
Reumatologia Clinica
|July 29, 2011
Summary
Thyroid dysfunction (TD) prevalence is similar in women with fibromyalgia (FM) and the general population. Treating hypothyroidism does not alleviate FM symptoms, suggesting screening for TD in women without increased risk is not justified.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
Context:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent condition associated with significant morbidity and healthcare utilization.
- Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is a potential contributor to FM symptoms, necessitating appropriate diagnostic evaluation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of TD in women with suspected FM compared to controls.
- To assess the frequency of serum thyrotropin (TSH) measurement for TD screening.
- To evaluate the impact of levothyroxine treatment on FM symptoms and determine if TD screening is justified in this population.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study of 400 women with suspected FM and 384 controls found similar TD prevalence (10% vs. 12%). Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common TD. Levothyroxine treatment did not improve FM symptoms.
- Excessive TSH testing was observed in euthyroid patients with suspected FM.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that routine screening for TD in women with suspected FM without other risk factors is not clinically justified.
- Current evidence indicates that treating hypothyroidism does not resolve fibromyalgia symptoms.
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