A Comparative Study on Insulin Secretion, Insulin Resistance and Thyroid Function in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with and without Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Abstract

Objective The incidence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is significantly higher than in normal controls, and there is a risk of more severe metabolic symptoms when the two diseases occur together. This study compares insulin secretion, insulin resistance (IR) and thyroid function in patients with PCOS with and without HT. Methods A total of 164 patients (52 patients with HT (HT+) and 112 patients without HT diagnosed PCOS at our hospital were enrolled for testing of oral glucose tolerance, insulin release, thyroid function, the presence of thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and blood lipid levels. Results Patients with PCOS and HT had higher insulin secretion and IR levels than those without HT, while free thyroxine and thyrotropin levels were significantly lower. The ratio of free thyroxine to thyrotropin was higher in patients with HT. Conclusion HT may related with IR and relatively low thyroid function in patients with PCOS. Thus, thyroid function and autoimmune status in patients with PCOS should be evaluated in clinical practice.

Association of Subclinical Hypothyroidism with Present and Absent Anti-Thyroid Antibodies with PCOS Phenotypes and Metabolic Profile

“…Since the literature does not provide sufficient evidence for an association between SCH and hyperprolactinemia, this result should be interpreted with caution [ 37 ]. Contrary to the reports from some of the previous studies [ 22 , 23 , 27 ], the mere presence of circulating ATA did not significantly influence the value of any parameter tested; thus, the more controversial relationship between AIT and PCOS has not been demonstrated, confirming observations from a few other studies [ 14 ], though they are few. The role of the immune system in the etiology of PCOS has been postulated for a long time [ 43 ], but so far, no cause–effect relationship or pathomechanism has been demonstrated.…”

“…Some studies indicate a relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage and preterm labor [ 18 , 19 ], as well as the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques [ 20 , 21 ]. The coexistence of AIT with PCOS may be associated with an even greater risk of metabolic syndrome and infertility [ 22 , 23 ]. Complications pertain not only to overt hypothyroidism, but also SCH [ 24 , 25 ] and the presence of circulating anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies [ 26 ].…”

Health system-related needs for healthy nutritional behaviors in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a qualitative study in Iran

“…Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women [1]. This syndrome is a growing concern among adolescents around the world, with varying reports of its prevalence in different parts of the world.…”

Autoimmunity to the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) and Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (LHR) in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

“…A second characteristic of PCOS suggests another important factor in disease etiology, namely the immune system. The risk for and prevalence of PCOS is elevated in women suffering from an autoimmune disease, especially in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis [11], Graves' disease [12], osteoarthritis [13], type 1 diabetes mellitus [14], systemic lupus erythematosus [15], or psoriasis [16]. Autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPO-aAb), for example, were found in 26.7-26.9% of women with PCOS compared to 6.6-8.3% of healthy women in case-control studies in Turkey and Germany [17,18].…”