Relationship between the body iodine status and menopausal symptoms during postmenopausal period.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of body iodine status on hot flashes and cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Two hundred and ten consecutive postmenopausal women without known any risk factor for cardiovascular disease risk or systemic disorder were recruited for the study. All participants underwent serum screening consisted of lipid profile including lipoprotein-a (Lp(a)) and urinary iodine excretion. Participants were also asked for the frequency and the duration of hot flashes. All parameters were assessed for the association between urine iodine excretion and other parameters.

Results: Urine spot iodine level was significantly correlated with Lp(a) (r = -0.287, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = -0.187, p = 0.006), cholesterol level (r = -0.573, p < 0.001), TG level (r = -0.211, p = 0.02), frequency of hot flashes per a day (r = -0.467, p < 0.001), durations of hot flashes (r = -0.424, p < 0.001), fasting glucose level (r = 0.331, p < 0.001), and fT3 level (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with the urine iodine level (beta coefficient = -0.342, p < 0.001) after adjustment for LDL-C (beta coefficient = 0.225, p < 0.001), glucose (beta coefficient = 0.303, p < 0.001), and age (beta coefficient = 0.146, p < 0.017).

Conclusion: Body iodine status during postmenopausal period is associated with the menopausal symptoms and lipid profile including Lp(a).