Correlation Between Thyroid Hormone Levels And Lipid Profile In Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that affects multiple metabolic processes, including lipid metabolism. Objective: To assess the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and lipid profile in hypothyroid patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at PNS Hafeez Islamabad from march 2025 to march 2026 included 189 diagnosed hypothyroid patients. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, including age, gender, BMI, residence, duration of hypothyroidism, and type of hypothyroidism. Thyroid function tests including TSH, FT3, and FT4 were measured along with fasting lipid profile including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C. Results: The mean age of patients was 42.36 ± 11.28 years, and most patients were female 138 (73.0%). Overt hypothyroidism was present in 121 (64.0%) patients, while 68 (36.0%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Mean TSH was 14.86 ± 8.74 mIU/L, FT3 was 2.41 ± 0.62 pg/mL, and FT4 was 0.83 ± 0.31 ng/dL. Mean total cholesterol was 219.68 ± 41.75 mg/dL, triglycerides were 181.34 ± 54.62 mg/dL, LDL-C was 143.27 ± 36.84 mg/dL, and HDL-C was 41.96 ± 9.18 mg/dL. Patients with overt hypothyroidism had significantly higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, and lower HDL-C compared with subclinical hypothyroid patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid hormone levels were significantly correlated with lipid profile in hypothyroid patients. Higher TSH and lower FT3/FT4 levels were associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile.