Could Your PCOS Actually Be Hypothyroidism?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Known for its complex symptoms and far-reaching effects, PCOS can feel overwhelming to manage. However, if you’re doing everything “right” to tackle PCOS and still not seeing progress, there might be another factor at play: your thyroid.
It’s surprising to learn that PCOS and hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) often overlap in their symptoms and may even coexist in the same individual. Let’s explore how these two conditions relate and why understanding their connection might be the key to managing your health effectively.
How Do PCOS and Hypothyroidism Relate?
Although PCOS and hypothyroidism stem from entirely different underlying causes, they share a surprising number of overlapping features:
Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
Oligomenorrhea (infrequent or irregular periods)
Infertility
Insulin resistance
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)
Both conditions also share similar blood marker trends, such as elevated testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), and cholesterol. This overlap can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish one condition from the other or recognise when both are present.
The Evidence Behind the Connection
Recent systematic reviews highlight a significant link between PCOS and thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. Here are some findings:
Women with PCOS are 3.6 times more likely to develop subclinical hypothyroidism compared to those without PCOS.
There’s a 3.3-fold higher likelihood of autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in women with PCOS.
Thyroid dysfunction exacerbates metabolic abnormalities in PCOS, such as insulin resistance and high cholesterol, making symptoms harder to manage.
Reproductive issues, such as fertility problems, tend to be more severe in women dealing with both conditions.
These findings underscore that thyroid dysfunction doesn’t just coexist with PCOS—it may actually worsen its symptoms and metabolic effects.
Why It Matters for Managing PCOS
If you’ve been eating a balanced diet, exercising, and following medical or naturopathic advice for PCOS but aren’t seeing results, it might be time to evaluate your thyroid health. Your thyroid is a cornerstone of hormone balance and metabolism, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can hinder your ability to manage PCOS effectively.
A sluggish thyroid can amplify PCOS symptoms, including:
Persistent fatigue
Difficulty losing weight
Irregular periods
Worsened insulin resistance
What You Can Do
If you suspect your thyroid might be contributing to your PCOS, the first step is testing. A thorough thyroid panel, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies, can help identify any underlying thyroid issues. Once identified, treatment may include:
Nutritional support with key nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine (if appropriate).
Herbal medicine to support thyroid function and balance hormones.
Lifestyle interventions to reduce stress and inflammation, which impact both PCOS and hypothyroidism.
Addressing your thyroid could be the missing piece of the puzzle in your PCOS journey, leading to improved energy, metabolism, and hormone balance.
Take the Next Step
If this resonates with you, it’s time to take action. Managing PCOS and hypothyroidism together requires a personalised approach that considers your unique needs. Let’s work together to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a tailored plan to help you feel your best.