Background: Metabolic disorders (MDs) and the
metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be associated with
thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MDs and various types of
thyroid nodules (
TNs), according to gender. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Thyroid Disorders,
Iodine Status, and Diabetes Epidemiological (TIDE) survey in China. A total of 56,729 subjects ≥18 years of age were included. Thyroid gland morphology was assessed by thyroid standardized ultrasonography. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals [CIs] for any associations between MDs and
TNs. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to gender and TN type (solitary, S-TN; multiple, M-
TNs). Results: The prevalence of
TNs was increased in several MDs, and was higher in women than men regardless of whether they suffered from MDs (22.0%, CI [21.6-22.5%] vs. 15.7%, CI [15.3-16.7%], p < 0.001).
TNs were associated with the presence of MDs (OR = 1.189, CI [1.107-1.278], p < 0.001),
hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.235, CI [1.177-1.296], p < 0.001), high
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
LDL-C; OR = 1.249, CI [1.186-1.316], p < 0.001), and
hyperuricemia (OR = 1.206, CI [1.126-1.293], p < 0.001). MDs and MetS were, respectively, significantly associated with
TNs, S-
TNs, and M-
TNs in men, while MDs were significantly associated with the three TN profiles in women. With respect to
dyslipidemia,
hypercholesterolemia and high
LDL-C had the strongest association with
TNs, whereas
hypertriglyceridemia had no effect. Conclusions:
TNs (especially M-
TNs) may be associated with MDs and their various components, and there appear to be some gender-specific associations.