Association between high normal-range thyrotropin concentration and carotid intima-media thickness in euthyroid premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective There are currently no established cutoff levels for thyrotropin (TSH) within the reference intervals associated with carotid atherosclerosis to prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed determine TSH level maximum intima-media thickness (max IMT) in euthyroid premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional 468 women who had not been treated or diagnosed diseases and/or metabolic disorders among 1221 Japanese participated comprehensive medical examination at Hidaka Hospital, Japan. Participants' weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, serum lipoprotein, free thyroxine were measured an interview about menstruation was conducted. Carotid ultrasonography performed max IMT. Results Max IMT significantly increased stepwise as menopausal status progressed (p < 0.001). Serum higher participants plaques, defined ?1.1 mm = 0.038), independently presence plaque using multivariate logistic regression analysis (? =1.218, p 0.036). In women, values observed ?2.5 ?IU/mL compared concentrations <2.5 0.018) without elevated total cholesterol low-density lipoprotein concentrations. These differences premenopausal Conclusions Laboratory finding concentration may be useful assess risk atherosclerosis, especially