Thyroid Function Abnormalities in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)A Clinical Study

Thyroid Function Abnormalities in Women with PCOS

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that occurs frequently in women of reproductive age, and it affects reproductive and metabolic activity. There is emerging evidences that indicate that there is a close relationship between PCOS and thyroid dysfunction. The study estimates the incidence of thyroid aberrations among women with PCOS and how these aberrations relate to reproductive and metabolic disorders.

Methods: A cohort study was used to assess 100 women aged 20-35 years with PCOS through the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. There were elaborate clinical histories, physical examination, and biochemical tests. A thyroid profile was performed to assess TSH, FT4, FT3, and anti-TPO antibodies. Other assessments were fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, lipids, and total testosterone. The participants were divided into two groups, namely normal thyroid functioning and thyroid dysfunction. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 26, with p < 0.05 as the significance level.

Results: Thyroid malfunction existed in 38 percent of PCOS women. The most frequent abnormality was subclinical hypothyroidism (26%), overt hypothyroidism (8%), and autoimmune thyroiditis (4%). Women who had a thyroid dysfunction had very high TSH levels and low FT4 levels. Menstrual problems were more common in the thyroid-abnormal group (84% vs. 61%), and infertility complaints were also more common (42% vs. 23%). Among the metabolic abnormalities, such as high fasting insulin, high HOMA-IR, high LDL, and low HDL, were much more common in women with thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is very high among women with PCOS and leads to more severe reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Thyroid screening must be regarded as a part and parcel of PCOS examination to enhance early disease identification, its management, and subsequent health outcomes.