Selected thyroid problems in the menopausal period – when and how to treat?

Women in menopause may experience various thyroid disorders, with subclinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism being the most problematic. Subclinical hyperthyroidism entails the risk of cardiovascular disorders (mostly arrhythmia) which require treatment. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more controversial because of a less characteristic clinical picture and still arguable upper normal range of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration which determines the indication for treatment. Therefore, a question may be posed as to whether and when the treatment should begin. Due to well defined risk factors in the menopausal period, coexistence of thyroid disorders poses medical problems which require interdisciplinary cooperation of many specialists.