The Link Between PCOS & Hypothyroidism

PCOS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM ARE TWO OF THE MOST COMMON ENDOCRINE (HORMONAL) DISORDERS AMONG FEMALES.

And although the conditions are clearly different, there are some clear similarities. There’s also a definite connection between the two with studies have shown that around 22.5% of women with PCOS also have hypothyroidism, in particular, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, compared to around 8% of the general female population.

Your thyroid gland, which sits in your neck is responsible for;
- Regulating your metabolic rate
- Heart and digestive function
- Muscle control
- Brain development
- Mood
- Bone maintenance.
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Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid helps to manage your metabolism so a person with hypothyroidism will struggle with weight issues because, the lower your thyroid, the slower your metabolism.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include; fatigue, dry skin, constipation, muscle weakness, thinning hair, increased sensitivity to cold

Hashimoto's, the most common form of hypothyroidism is especially prevalent in women with PCOS. Hashimoto’s occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid, damaging it to the point where it cannot produce enough thyroid hormone for your body.

The exact cause of the connection between PCOS and hypothyroidism is still yet to be discovered, but certain factors such as genetics, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and stress all play a role. It’s not hard to find connections between your thyroid and PCOS as they are connected via your hormonal system.

Insulin resistance, which triggers a hormonal imbalance of insulin levels found in around 50-70% of women with PCOS is also associated with thyroid function as studies have found that increased levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) correlate with an increase in insulin resistance.

Hypothyroidism also triggers excess androgens via decreasing the levels of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), meaning there is more free testosterone roaming in your bloodstream to cause trouble.

Hashimoto's, the most common form of hypothyroidism is especially prevalent in women with PCOS. Hashimoto’s occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid, damaging it to the point where it cannot produce enough thyroid hormone for your body.

The exact cause of the connection between PCOS and hypothyroidism is still yet to be discovered, but certain factors such as genetics, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and stress all play a role. It’s not hard to find connections between your thyroid and PCOS as they are connected via your hormonal system.

Insulin resistance, which triggers a hormonal imbalance of insulin levels found in around 50-70% of women with PCOS is also associated with thyroid function as studies have found that increased levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) correlate with an increase in insulin resistance.

Hypothyroidism also triggers excess androgens via decreasing the levels of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), meaning there is more free testosterone roaming in your bloodstream to cause trouble.