Variations in serum lipids and thyroid hormone levels during various phases of menstrual cycle in healthy females

The present study was carried out to evaluate comprehensively the inter relationship and impact of thyroid hormones on cyclical variation of serum lipid levels during menstrual cycle. Serum lipid fractions and thyroid hormones were measured in a total of thirty female healthy volunteers by commercially available kits in the Biochemical Laboratory, PGIMS, Rohtak. Total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased (p 0.05) in follicular phase compared to luteal phase. Serum T, T, levels decreased in follicular phase insignificantly (p>0.05). Serum HDL-cholesterol increased 3mg/ dl or 5% in follicular Phase of menstrual cycle. Insignificant decrease in thyroid hormone levels with significant increase in serum lipid fractions during follicular phase, warrant further investigation in this field. Moreover, phase of menstrual cycle should be taken into account whenever evaluating premenopausal women for plasma lipid abnormalities.