Introduction

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is an abnormal bleeding from the uterus in the absence of organic disease of genital tract and demonstrable extragenital cause⁽¹⁾. It is estimated that about one-third of all gynecological consultations are carried out for abnormal uterine bleeding⁽²⁾, of which only 20% are due to organic causes⁽³⁾. Thyroid dysfunction is a common cause of DUB and accounts for 30-40% of cases (Koutras DA, 1997)⁽⁴⁾. Abnormal menstrual cycles are occasionally the first sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (Wilansky DL, Griesman B, 1992)⁽⁵⁾. Majority of the cases has subclinical hypothyroidism and easily pass unrecognized. The serum TSH assay has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of diminished thyroid functional reserve, since TSH levels become elevated before circulating serum thyroxine levels fall below the normal range⁽⁶⁾. The main clinical objective of this study is to detect and treat thyroid disease before the symptoms and signs are significant and intense. Moreover, thyroid dysfunction is an easily correctable cause of DUB. Hence this study is to evaluate the thyroid function in patients having abnormal menstrual bleeding from puberty to premenopausal age groups which will be interesting and justifiable and will help in further management of DUB.

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Dr Anjali Prakash

Asst. Professor, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology

GMC, Palakkad, Kerala, India -678013

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