Association between allostatic load and thyroid function in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES data

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Stress Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic stress can lead to endocrine dysregulation.
• Allostatic load (AL) quantifies cumulative physiological burden but its thyroid function associations are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between allostatic load score (ALS) and thyroid function markers in a large adult population.
• To explore how demographic factors modify the relationship between AL and thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 5525 adults from NHANES 2007-2010 data.
• Calculation of ALS from eight biomarkers; assessment of thyroid function (TSH, FT3, FT4, TgAb, TPOAb).
• Use of multivariable models, trend tests, and restricted cubic splines for association and linearity assessment.

Main Results:

• ALS positively correlated with higher TSH and FT3 levels.
• TSH showed a linear increase across ALS quartiles.
• Associations varied significantly by sex, age, and race, with no significant links to FT4, TgAb, or TPOAb.

Conclusions:

• Elevated allostatic load is significantly associated with increased TSH and FT3 levels.
• The relationship between allostatic load and thyroid function is complex and influenced by demographic factors.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms connecting stress and thyroid function.