IMPACT OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION ON MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES AND FERTILITY OUTCOMES IN WOMEN FROM NORTHWESTERN RAJASTHAN: A HOSPITAL-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder affecting women’s reproductive health, manifesting as menstrual irregularities and infertility. Regional data from Northwestern Rajasthan remain limited. Objective: To evaluate the association between thyroid dysfunction and menstrual disturbances and fertility outcomes in women attending a tertiary care hospital in Northwestern Rajasthan. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months, enrolling 300 women aged 18–45 years presenting with menstrual irregularities or infertility. Clinical examination, menstrual history, and thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, FT4) were evaluated. Women were classified as euthyroid, hypothyroid, or hyperthyroid based on standard reference values. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was found in 60.3% of participants (hypothyroidism 48.6%, hyperthyroidism 11.7%). Menstrual disturbances, including oligomenorrhea (37.9%) and menorrhagia (25.2%), were significantly higher in the hypothyroid group (p<0.001). Infertility was more prevalent in thyroid-dysfunctional women (42.5%) than euthyroid women (17.8%, p<0.001). Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common abnormality (28.7%). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, significantly affects menstrual and fertility outcomes. Early detection and management may improve reproductive health.