Prevalence and biochemical profile of subclinical hypothyroidism among female patients attending OPD of a teaching hospital in Bihar: A hospital based observational study

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the leading endocrine problems worldwide. Prevalence of high rates of subclinical hypothyroidism has been found in hilly areas. It leads increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia and proneness to fractures. Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted upon female patients above the age of 18 years attending OPD and thorough clinical and biochemical evaluation of thyroid disease was done. Results: 67.1% of the females were euthyroid. 27.2% suffered from hypothyroidism of which 9.1% was overt and 18.1% was subclinical in nature. Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was higher when the age advanced. Conclusion: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high in this area.