Endocrine Abstracts

In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a high prevalence of autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has been consistently observed. Young female patients present with menstrual and reproductive disorders as well as weight gain. The aim was to present a cohort of patients with PCOS who underwent thyroid function tests and in some of whom autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was diagnosed. A cohort of 20 female patients aged 17-34 years is described. Patients presented with menstrual irregularity. They were diagnosed with PCOS. All patients underwent thyroid function tests and a thyroid ultrasonogram. In 12 patients autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was diagnosed, as anti-Tg antibodies were positive in 8 patients and anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 10 patients. In 2 patients clinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed as high TSH levels and low FT₄ levels were observed. In 5 patients subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed as they had high TSH and normal FT₄ levels. In patients with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism thyroxine was administered. The thyroid ultrasonogram revealed micro nodularity and a nonhomogeneous parenchyma. Autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be observed in patients with PCOS. Thyroid autoantibodies are detected in serum and thyroid function may be compromised. Oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction may lead to immune dysfunction and the appearance of autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in PCOS. Genetic factors may also play a role, however this role has to be further studied and delineated.