Endocrine Abstracts

Context: Both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT, Hashimoto disease) are common endocrinopathies and the AIT is the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism in areas with sufficient iodine intake. Patients with PCOS are probably more susceptible to the development of autoimmune diseases. The data about the prevalence of AIT in PCOS is limited and it has not been assessed in the Polish population.

The aims of the study were: to assess the prevalence of AIT and hypothyroidism in PCOS patients.

Subjects and methods: We analyzed data of 199 young (mean 25 years of age) PCOS women, who were the patients of our Endocrinology Department (years 2009–2012), in whom PCOS was recognized with AES Criteria and TSH, fT₄, thyroid antibodies and thyroid USG were performed.

Results: i) In the PCOS group: AIT was present in 67 women (33.7%), markedly increased thyroid antibodies (anty-TPOab or anty-TGab) were present in 62 patients (31.2%) and the ultrasound changes typical of AIT were found in 87 women (43.7%). ii) TSH level in the whole group was 1.8 mU/l (mean value), while in AIT group vs non-AIT group was 2.41 vs 1.47 mU/l; P<0.05. iii) TSH higher than 2.5 mU/l or within normal range, but in patients taking L-thyroxin, was present in 39 women (19.5%) of the whole group and in 27 (40.3%) women with AIT.

Conclusions: i) AIT is a very common disease in patients with PCOS. ii) PCOS women with AIT have statistically significant higher TSH levels than PCOS women without AIT. iii) Subclinical or evident hypothyroidism is present in about 20% of PCOS women and in about 40% PCOS women with AIT. iv) All PCOS patients should be screened for Hashimoto disease and hypothyroidism.