Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPCOS and Hashimoto’sPolycystic OvariesLH-FSH RatioWeight and PCOSThyroid Autoimmunity
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
PCOS and Hashimoto’s
Polycystic Ovaries
LH-FSH Ratio
Weight and PCOS
Thyroid Autoimmunity
Irregular menstrual periods are a hallmark feature of PCOS and occur as a result of increased androgen levels, which prevent regular, monthly ovulation (egg release). Besides irregular menstrual cycles, other potential symptoms of PCOS include excessive facial hair growth, hair thinning, and/or acne.
An Overview of PCOS
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid tissue. This misguided attack on the thyroid gland impairs the production of thyroid hormone causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles.
An Overview of Hypothyroidism
Perhaps the most notable shared feature between PCOS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the presence of polycystic ovaries. The term “polycystic” refers to the presence of multiple fluid-filled sacs (cysts) within each ovary. These cysts are actually ovarian follicles that are unable to mature enough to release egg cells.
In PCOS, the follicles cannot grow and mature properly due to high androgen levels. With hypothyroidism, the main hormone change is the decreased amount of thyroid hormone. That leads to a chain of events that include variations in prolactin, but it important to explain that it all stems from low thyroid hormone. Especially when there is another condition (hyperprolactinemia) that is due to high prolactin.
In people with PCOS, the LH-FSH ratio is higher than in those without PCOS. Likewise, research has found that the LH-FSH ratio is higher in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is higher in people who are considered overweight. While experts have not fully teased out this association—it may involve the complex workings of inflammatory markers and/or a hormone calledleptin—they do know that raised TSH levels lead to the rapid reproduction of fat cells (adipocytes).
The Relationship Between Thyroid Hormones, Metabolism, and Weight
Likewise, those with PCOS are more likely to be overweight.
Most women with hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have elevated thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and a hypoechogenic thyroids, a pattern seen on ultrasound that is compatible with thyroiditis.
Similarly, research has found that women with PCOS have more hypoechogenic thyroids when compared to those without PCOS. women with PCOS also have higher thyroid antibody levels (for example, TPO antibodies) and are more likely to have a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
There is some data to suggest that women with PCOS are more vulnerable to developing autoimmune diseases.
A Word From Verywell
While the features above suggest a definite link between PCOS and hypothyroidism, exactly what the relationship is, or how it will affect care, remains unknown.
Regardless, it seems sensible to discuss testing for one condition if you have the other, assuming a healthcare provider has not already done so.
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Muscogiuri G et al.High-normal TSH values in obesity: is it insulin resistance or adipose tissue’s guilt?Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 Jan;21(1):101-6.
Danfeng D, Xuelian L.The relationship between thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis.Int J Clin Exp Med. 2013;6(10):880-9.
Gaberscek S, Zaletel K, Shwetz V, Pieber T, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Lerchbaum E.Mechanisms in Endocrinology: Thyroid and polycystic ovary syndrome.Eur J Endocrin.2015; 172: R9-R21.
Singla R, Gupta Y, Khemani M, Aggarwal S. Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome: An emerging relationship.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jan-Feb; 19(1):25-9. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.146860
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