PCOS and hypothyroidism are diseases that trouble women a lot, causing problems in their reproductive health and menstrual cycle. Let's try to understand them in detail.

Relation Between PCOS and Hypothyroidism: Two of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism. Although the two medical conditions are distinct with different etiologies, there is evidence of significant overlap between them. Both can cause metabolic, reproductive, and hormonal imbalances, so women affected by either disorder should realize the potential relationship between them.

What are PCOS and hypothyroidism?

According to senior gynaecologist Dr. Garima Swahney, "PCOS is a medical condition of hormonal disorder in which multiple cysts form inside the ovaries and periods become irregular which is coupled with abnormally high levels of androgens - male hormones. The key symptoms include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and even hirsutism, as well as, most importantly, the inability to potentially get pregnant. Insulin resistance is a key sign of PCOS which eventually often leads to a metabolic defect - type 2 diabetes."

"Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid is unable to produce enough of the necessary thyroid hormones. These hormones have vital actions on metabolism, growth, and development, so such a deficiency can interfere with these processes."

Disadvantages of PCOS and Hypothyroidism

Several studies have reported a particularly high correlation between hypothyroidism, especially subclinical, and PCOS. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop thyroid dysfunction, and vice versa, they may also be affected by thyroid dysfunction, thereby linking the two conditions. Much of this connection is attributed to the cross-talk between thyroid hormones and reproductive health. 

1. Hormonal imbalance

Thyroid hormones are essential for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. When hypothyroidism occurs, TSH can increase and interfere with ovarian function, leading to menstrual disturbances that often characterize PCOS. Both medical conditions are also associated with increased androgen levels that can aggravate symptoms of acne and hirsutism.

2. Metabolic disorders

The big link between PCOS and hypothyroidism is insulin resistance of similar origin. This is the main reason behind the hormonal imbalance in PCOS, and in hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid hormone lowers metabolic rate, leads to weight gain and the development of insulin resistance. This kind of metabolic overlap creates a vicious circle of gaining more weight that worsens reproductive problems and hormonal imbalances among women suffering from either or both conditions.

3. Autoimmune association

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of the most common associated autoimmune diseases and causes hypothyroidism, which is often seen in patients with PCOS. Autoimmune diseases tend to cluster; therefore, an increased predisposition for other thyroid-related autoimmune diseases was noted in women with PCOS.

4. Effects on Fertility

Both PCOS and hypothyroidism can impair female fertility. In cases of PCOS, women usually suffer from ovulatory dysfunction leading to relatively poor fertility. Hypothyroidism interferes with the process of ovulation and leads to amenorrhea or irregular periods, which means a lower chance of pregnancy. Improving reproductive outcomes among women with a combination of both medical conditions will largely depend on the measurement of thyroid status.

Diagnosis 

If the two medical conditions are closely associated, it is important for women to get a complete hormonal evaluation to diagnose either condition. Therefore, tests of thyroid function, including TSH and free T4, may be useful to identify thyroid abnormalities. In PCOS, management of insulin resistance by diet, exercise, and medication can also reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Treatment 

The usual treatment of hypothyroidism has long involved replacement therapy with thyroid hormone to alleviate symptoms and enhance metabolic functions. Simultaneous treatment of PCOS and hypothyroidism may improve menstrual irregularity and fertility outcomes.