Establishing the Hormonal Relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hypothyroidism: A Literature Review

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Here is the abstract of our newest accepted publication, Please follow the link below!

http://msrj.chm.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MSRJ2019187.pdf

Deborah Anuoluwapo Aina, Saba University School of Medicine, Devens, MA, USA, Dutch Caribbean

Objective: The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the hormonal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism.

Methods: Electronic databases such as Ebscohost and PubMed were searched, using words and phrases specific to the topic. Journal articles were filtered for publications from no earlier than 2008 to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Results: Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroid-stimulating hormone were significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome patients compared to controls (P<0.05). Polycystic ovary syndrome patients also had a statistically significant higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (P=0.035) and subclinical hypothyroidism (P=0.0133) compared to controls. In polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone levels ≥2.5 mIU/L, a significantly increased insulin resistance (P=0.007) and a significantly decreased insulin sensitivity (P=0.003) were observed compared to same patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone levels <2.5 mIU/L. Serum triglycerides were significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to same patients with normal thyroid function (P=0.013). A significant positive correlation was present between luteinizing hormone and thyroid volume (P=0.007) and between anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroid volume (P<0.0001). With thyroid hormone replacement, there was a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and free T3 /T4 levels, with a corresponding decrease in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, insulin resistance, and free testosterone in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with untreated hypothyroidism. The polycystic-appearing ovaries and ovarian volumes in these patients also significantly regressed (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with hypothyroidism. Hence, achieving euthyroidism may improve the clinical and morphologic characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Keywords: PCOS, hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, polycystic ovary, hormone, thyroid, autoimmune, insulin resistance