Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders often go hand
and hand.
According to findings reported by Dr. Roland Gaertner of the University
of Munich, women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may be four times more
likely to suffer from hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) due to
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland.
(Also known as Hashimoto’s disease and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.)
(1).
The association between PCOS and hypothyroidism in his study was so strong
that Dr. Gaertner recommended routine thyroid function testing for women
with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Researchers are not sure why the risk is increased. But they speculate
that low levels of the hormone progesterone are causing an increase in
stimulatory effects of estrogen on the immune system (1).
 Hypothyroidism
can aggravate PCOS symptoms. The thyroid gland is located at the base
of the neck in front of the windpipe. It makes, stores and releases two
hormones - T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Thyroid hormones
control your metabolic rate. If there is not enough thyroid hormone in
your blood stream, your metabolism slows down. This is called hypothyroidism
(2).
Hypothyroidism can lead to low levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
which in turn can lead to higher concentrations of free testosterone
and increased testosterone throughout the body (3). A high level of testosterone
is one of the factors which contribute to PCOS symptoms -- infertility,
polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, male pattern hair loss and acne.
Signs of Thyroid problems
- Fatigue
- Inability to focus
- Weight gain
- Heat and/or cold intolerance
- Headaches and migraines
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Irritability, anxiety and panic attacks
- Hair loss
- Fluid retention
- Low sex drive
- Testosterone and Vascular Issues
Lab Tests for Your Thyroid
If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it is important that you ask
your doctor to test your thyroid. You should request tests that
screen the thyroid hormones free T4 and free T3, as well as TSH (thyroid
stimulating hormone). Many women have been told they do not have
a thyroid problem when in fact they do have low thyroid under the new
guidelines established by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
(AACE) in November, 2002 (4). When you have your results in hand, be
sure that your doctor is comparing your results to these new TSH standards
 Because
PCOS is a complex syndrome, it is critical to educate yourself so that
you can become your own advocate. The Insulite PCOS System which includes
nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs and minerals that are disease specific),
a realistic exercise program, nutritional guidance, food addiction awareness
and a support network, can help you change unhealthy lifestyle choices
and address the many issues presented by PCOS.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) on PCOS and the Insulite PCOS System.
(1) Bruce
Jancin "PCOS Strongly Linked to Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Thyroid
function tests advised in PCOS - Prevalence is Fourfold Higher".
OB/GYN News. Oct 1, 2001.
(2) Wikipedia.org "Thyroid
hormone" . Wikipedia.org. February 28, 2008
(3) Ghosh,
S et al, Subclinical hypothyroidism: a determinant of polycystic ovary
syndrome, Horm Res, 1993, 39(1-2):61-6
(4) American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists "Over 13 Million Americans
with Thyroid Disease Remain Undiagnosed" . January 2003
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here to read about PCOS and Sleep Apnea
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