Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Separately, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) exert adverse effects on metabolic parameters. This study evaluated whether SCH in women with PCOS affects clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters.

Aim: To analyse the relationship between selected clinical and metabolic parameters in young women with PCOS and normal thyroid function or SCH.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional cohort study were enrolled 80 women diagnosed with PCOS. Their clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters were evaluated. SCH was defined as TSH levels of 4.5–10 mIU/l.

Results: The mean age of the 80 women was 26±4.6 years. Mean BMI was 34.1±6.4 kg/m². Thyroid function was normal in 64 women, and 16 had SCH. Prolactin and serum LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the women with SCH (18.2±6.2 ng/ml and 131.3±17.4 mg/dl, respectively) compared with those with normal thyroid function (13.2±9.7 ng/ml and 107.2±29.4 mg/dl, respectively). No changes in other lipid profile parameters, insulin resistance or phenotypic manifestations were observed.

Conclusions: In young women with PCOS, SCH is associated with higher LDL cholesterol and prolactin levels. These two altered parameters should be considered as the SCH predictors in women diagnosed with PCOS.