The profile of subclinical hypothyroidism in subjects with premenstrual dysphoric disorder – A pilot study

Background: Psychiatric disorders are usually found to be associated with thyroid dysfunction. Although thyroid dysfunction's relevance to psychiatric disorders is recognized, few studies have estimated the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in subjects with the premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the Indian population. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care centre in central Kerala, enrolled 70 subjects diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) who presented to the psychiatry and gynaecology Out Patient Departments (OPD). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected followed by administration of PMDD rating scale. Mini International Psychiatric Interview was done to rule out other psychiatric disorders. TSH was done for all subjects after two months during follow up. Results: 63.33 % of subjects with  PMDD were found to have thyroid dysfunction. A significant association was established between PMDD score and subclinical hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is common in premenstrual disorder and is closely associated with the same.