Lifestyle is associated with thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroidism: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a condition with limited research on lifestyle associations.
• Understanding lifestyle's role in SCH is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between lifestyle factors and thyroid function in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 159 SCH patients and 159 euthyroid controls from Fujian Province, China.
• Data collected via questionnaires on lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet, smoking) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
• Thyroid function tests (TSH, FT4) and homeostasis parameters (SPINA-GT, TSHI, TTSI) were analyzed using logistic and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• SCH patients exhibited poorer sleep quality and less late-night activity on weekdays compared to controls.
• Exercise influenced TSH, thyroid secretory capacity (SPINA-GT), and thyrotropin resistance (TTSI).
• Iodine excess, smoking, and late weekend nights were associated with altered thyroid function and homeostasis parameters.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, iodine intake, exercise, and smoking, are significantly associated with thyroid function and homeostasis in subclinical hypothyroidism.
• Poor sleep quality and iodine excess were identified as risk factors for developing SCH.