Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1811

Introduction: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation, as a result of inclining levels of ovarian hormones. Few studies demonstrate diminished ovarian reverse, fertility defects and menopause onset at a younger age, in female patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Aim of the study is to evaluate the potential effect of Graves’ disease (GD) induced, organ-specific thyroid autoimmunity, on menopause onset.

Material and Methods: We recruited 140 menopausal women with GD, admitted in Autoimmune Endocrinopathies outpatient clinic, Department of Pathophysiology, Laikon General Hospital, between 2020-2023. The analyzed data were respectively collected from patients’ medical record by a single investigator. We recorded demographic characteristics, comprehensive medical history, family medical history and smoking status. Medical history was focused on GD features. Moreover, we included past medical history related to reproductive and overall gynecologic health including age of menarche, mensuration irregularities, number of pregnancies, number of pregnancy loss and age of menopause onset. Patients underwent laboratory evaluation for autoantibodies (TPO-Abs, Tg-Abs, TSI, ANA, APCA) and biochemistry. The group of patients was compared to healthy control group of menopausal females (2:1).

Results: Mean patients age at the time of the study was 64.36± 8.56 years and mean BMI 27.13± 5.46 kg/m² . Age at menopause onset did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups, despite the fact that patients with GD had menopause onset at a slightly older age (49.42±3.63 vs 48.88±4.66 years, P = 0.391). Regarding menstrual irregularities during reproductive years, higher percentage of patients reported such disturbances compared to controls, without reaching statistical significance. Infertility issues were more commonly presented in patients with GD (32.1% vs 12,9%, P = 0.006). Pregnancy loss did not ascertain in 79.3% of patients with GD and in 82.9% of healthy controls (P = 0.983). Median menarche age was 12 years (P = 0.20) and it was the same for both groups.

Conclusion: From our study, a statistically significant impact of GD on menopause onset is not demonstrated, whereas we found significant difference in infertility issues between the two groups. Further prospective studies with higher number of participants should be conducted to establish potential correlation.