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The Connection Between PCOS and Thyroid Disorders

The Connection Between PCOS and Thyroid Disorders

News1822-05-2025

Last Updated:
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to frustrating symptoms like irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, acne, and sometimes challenges with conception.
Ever feel like your body's playing a confusing game with your hormones? If you're experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, persistent acne, increased body hair growth, or difficulty conceiving, you could be dealing with a hormonal imbalance like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid dysfunction, which are common partners-in-crime for many women. To get the correct diagnosis, it's important to understand how these conditions are connected.
Dr. Pramila Kalra, HOD & Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, shares all you need to know:
How PCOS and Thyroid Disorders Are Linked
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to frustrating symptoms like irregular periods, unwanted hair growth (often on the face or chest), acne, and sometimes challenges with conception.
Thyroid disorders, especially an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), are often caused by autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis — where antibodies attack the thyroid — a condition more common in women.
If you have PCOS, you're significantly more likely to also have a thyroid issue. Sometimes, this thyroid issue can be subclinical, meaning it's a mild impairment that may not present typical symptoms but still interferes with hormonal balance.
An underactive thyroid can throw off the hormones that regulate your ovaries. When your thyroid isn't functioning properly, your body may produce more Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and another hormone called prolactin. This disrupts the delicate balance of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) — crucial players in your monthly cycle. When this balance is disturbed, ovulation can stop, and ovarian cysts (a hallmark of PCOS) may form or worsen.
Insulin resistance — where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin — is a common feature of both PCOS and hypothyroidism. When both conditions coexist, the level of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia (such as elevated cholesterol) is often greater than in PCOS alone.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and correct other metabolic disturbances in patients with concurrent PCOS.
If you're juggling both PCOS and hypothyroidism, you may face a tougher battle with insulin resistance and notice higher cholesterol levels. Treating hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement can help improve your body's insulin response and ease other metabolic abnormalities.
Why a Thorough Check-Up Is Crucial
Given the symptomatic overlap between PCOS and thyroid disorders — such as menstrual irregularities and ovarian cysts — thyroid function assessment is a critical step before confirming a PCOS diagnosis.
Diagnostic investigations typically include blood hormone level analysis (including thyroid hormones), serum testosterone, DHEAS levels, and ultrasonography of the ovaries and thyroid gland. Accurate differentiation and diagnosis are essential to ensure women receive appropriate and targeted treatment for all coexisting conditions.
Before a PCOS diagnosis is confirmed, a thorough thyroid function check (usually a simple blood test) is essential. Additionally, evaluating other hormone levels is important to rule out disorders that may mimic PCOS.
First Published:
May 22, 2025, 16:26 IST

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The silent struggle: PCOS and PCOD on the rise among young Indian women
The silent struggle: PCOS and PCOD on the rise among young Indian women

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The silent struggle: PCOS and PCOD on the rise among young Indian women

Across India, an increasing number of adolescent girls and young women are grappling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) – two hormonal disorders that often go undetected but can have significant long-term health consequences. Affecting reproductive, metabolic, and psychological well-being, these conditions are becoming more prevalent in the 15–25 age group, largely due to lifestyle factors, urban stress, and lack of awareness. Health experts estimate that PCOS now affects between 3.7% and 22.5% of Indian women, depending on diagnostic criteria and location. Globally, it is among the most common endocrine disorders, impacting 8–13% of women of reproductive age. Understanding PCOS and PCOD Today, the terms PCOS and PCOD are often used interchangeably but medically they are two distinct entities. Dr. Dhivya Sharona, Consultant – Gynaecology, Rela Hospital Chennai, explains: 'PCOD is a condition where ovulation is affected and there is formation of cysts in the ovaries. Here, the ovaries produce immature and partially mature eggs in large quantities leading to the formation of cysts secreting excess amounts of androgen (male hormone).' 'It is associated with irregular periods, excessive bleeding and painful periods. It is more common than PCOS and affects around 1/3rd women of reproductive age worldwide. It is also less severe than PCOS and has less impact on fertility compared to PCOS. Around 80% women with PCOD are able to conceive with help,' Dr Sharona adds. On the other hand, PCOS is a syndrome with a spectrum of signs and symptoms including painful periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth, mental health disorder and both presence and absence of cyst formation in the ovaries. The incidence of PCOS is quoted to be between 5-20% in actively menstruating women. It has a high association with obesity along with hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases. Dr. Nidhi Thakur, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals says that in some cases, ovaries form fluid-filled cysts when the egg is not released properly, leading to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), hormonal disruption, and fertility issues. Despite the name, not all women with PCOS have visible ovarian cysts, which often makes diagnosis difficult. Recent studies show that most people with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, disrupting hormone balance. Testing for this can help rule out other conditions often mistaken for PCOS. The challenges Many young women with PCOS or PCOD go undiagnosed for years. Symptoms like irregular periods, hair growth, or weight fluctuations are often normalised or overlooked. This delay in diagnosis means the condition progresses silently, potentially leading to infertility, insulin resistance, obesity, sleep apnea, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The social stigma around discussing menstrual or reproductive issues also contributes to underdiagnosis. In many cases, women only discover their condition while struggling to conceive or manage other related health complications. In 2021, a study was undertaken by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh to assess treatment pathways that patients with PCOS have followed. It revealed that even after having initiated treatment, almost 45% of the patients knew nothing about PCOS. Only 9.1% learned anything from their doctors, and almost 85.5% had to visit multiple doctors to gather information. Some patients (approximately 37%) also took to the internet as their primary source of information in trying to learn about their condition. Many women, in a different ethnographic study, revealed that they received conflicting information from different health-care professionals about their condition, which generates a "trust deficit." That is, women have begun to lose trust in their doctors because they are not confident about the quality of the information provided to them. There is a disconnect that the patients feel, which can only be bridged through clear communication and helping them understand how the condition and its management go hand in hand. Lifestyle and prevention: The first line of defense While there's no permanent cure, PCOS and PCOD can be effectively managed through early intervention and lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, weight management, and regular exercise play a crucial role in restoring hormonal balance and improving insulin sensitivity. Reducing sugar and processed food intake helps control blood sugar and insulin levels. Moderate physical activity improves metabolism and regulates the menstrual cycle. Stress-reduction practices like yoga or meditation help manage hormonal fluctuations. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% can significantly improve symptoms and restore ovulation in many cases, says Dr. Nidhi Thakur. Medical management and costs Medical treatment typically includes hormonal contraceptives to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels, as well as anti-androgen medications to manage symptoms like excess hair growth. In some cases, laparoscopic ovarian drilling is recommended when medications are ineffective. The cost of managing PCOS can vary: Hormonal medications: ₹400–₹800 per month Surgery (if needed): ₹35,000–₹50,000 Total treatment costs may range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the individual case Though affordable options are available, the cumulative long-term costs can be high if not managed early. Long-term impact on health and fertility If left unmanaged, these diseases can significantly affect a woman's long-term health. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial cancer increases with time. PCOS is also a leading cause of infertility, due to chronic anovulation and hormonal imbalance. Beyond physical symptoms, the condition can have a profound psychological impact. The frustration of dealing with chronic symptoms, weight issues, and fertility concerns can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, making mental health support an important part of the treatment plan. Importance of early detection and regular check-ups PCOD and PCOS are on rise due to high stress, poor social and emotional relatedness, sedentary lifestyle, environmental toxins etc. Dr. Dhivya says that the lack of reproductive health education, taboo around discussing female reproduction along with social and cultural notions of women's ability to bear pain render women unable and unwilling to seek necessary help. Thus, both the conditions are significantly under-diagnosed by practitioners and there is a significant information gap that does not offer people the resources they need. Young women are encouraged to consult gynaecologists if they experience irregular menstrual cycles. Basic screening tests—such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profiles, BMI, and ultrasound scans—can help detect early signs of PCOS and prevent complications. In some cases, consultation with endocrinologists and nutritionists may also be needed for comprehensive care. To effectively tackle this health crisis, we need a major shift in how the conditions are understood and managed. Closing knowledge gaps, creating evidence-based treatment guidelines, and prioritizing lifestyle changes along with complementary therapies—supported by accessible patient education—are all critical steps forward. A manageable condition with the right support PCOS and PCOD are chronic but manageable conditions. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medical support, most women can live healthy, fulfilling lives. What's crucial is breaking the silence around menstrual and hormonal health and making gynaecological check ups a routine part of adolescent healthcare. Raising awareness, both at the family and institutional level, can help young Indian women recognise symptoms early, seek help without stigma, and take control of their health before complications set in.

27-year-old Mumbai woman's heart attack case reveals how PCOS, contraceptive pills may be putting young women at serious risk
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27-year-old Mumbai woman's heart attack case reveals how PCOS, contraceptive pills may be putting young women at serious risk

Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel While many Mumbaikars dread April for its scorching heat, 27-year-old Payal (name changed), a resident of Mahim, looked back on the month with happy memories as a newlywed. But on June 2, her life took a frightening turn when she suffered a heart attack after a day of severe acidity and sharp chest pain late at night.'She showed ECG changes at 2 am that confirmed a heart attack,' said cardiologist Dr Kaushal Chhatrapati of Saifee Hospital near Charni Road. He added that he placed a stent in her circumflex artery early on June 3 to restore blood heart attack came as a shock to Payal's family, especially since she is young and women of childbearing age are generally protected against heart disease by the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels open and reduces to a TOI report quoting Dr Chhatrapati, the likely cause in Payal's case was the contraceptive pills she had been taking for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and ovarian cysts. Payal's father said she had battled PCOS for nearly ten years and had been on contraceptive pills for seven years.A study from Denmark published in the medical journal The BMJ in February found that the commonly used combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pill doubled the risk of ischemic stroke and heart attack. The study estimated that for every 4,760 women using the pill for one year, there would be one extra stroke, and for every 10,000 women per year, one extra heart attack. Estrogen-containing products like vaginal rings and skin patches were particularly noted as per the TOI report, gynaecologist Dr Kiran Coelho said strokes were more common than heart attacks linked to contraceptive pills. 'I have seen women as young as 22 and 28 with PCOS suffering strokes. But many women need these pills to suppress ovulation, which reduces cyst formation in the ovaries,' she often comes with obesity and insulin resistance, which can cause dyslipidaemia, high levels of fats in the blood that increase the risk of heart disease. 'Urban women face high stress levels, and childhood obesity is rising. These factors raise the chances of PCOS, which affects one in every five adolescent girls in urban India,' Dr Coelho Rajeev Bhagwat, cardiologist at Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle, pointed out that while contraceptive pills are known to increase the risk of blood clots, doctors should carefully review a woman's family history of heart disease before prescribing them. 'Family history is a very strong factor for heart disease in young people,' he from TOI

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Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel While many Mumbaikars dread April for its scorching heat, 27-year-old Payal (name changed), a resident of Mahim, looked back on the month with happy memories as a newlywed. But on June 2, her life took a frightening turn when she suffered a heart attack after a day of severe acidity and sharp chest pain late at night.'She showed ECG changes at 2 am that confirmed a heart attack,' said cardiologist Dr Kaushal Chhatrapati of Saifee Hospital near Charni Road. He added that he placed a stent in her circumflex artery early on June 3 to restore blood heart attack came as a shock to Payal's family, especially since she is young and women of childbearing age are generally protected against heart disease by the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels open and reduces to a TOI report quoting Dr Chhatrapati, the likely cause in Payal's case was the contraceptive pills she had been taking for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and ovarian cysts. Payal's father said she had battled PCOS for nearly ten years and had been on contraceptive pills for seven years.A study from Denmark published in the medical journal The BMJ in February found that the commonly used combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pill doubled the risk of ischemic stroke and heart attack. The study estimated that for every 4,760 women using the pill for one year, there would be one extra stroke, and for every 10,000 women per year, one extra heart attack. Estrogen-containing products like vaginal rings and skin patches were particularly noted as per the TOI report, gynaecologist Dr Kiran Coelho said strokes were more common than heart attacks linked to contraceptive pills. 'I have seen women as young as 22 and 28 with PCOS suffering strokes. But many women need these pills to suppress ovulation, which reduces cyst formation in the ovaries,' she often comes with obesity and insulin resistance, which can cause dyslipidaemia, high levels of fats in the blood that increase the risk of heart disease. 'Urban women face high stress levels, and childhood obesity is rising. These factors raise the chances of PCOS, which affects one in every five adolescent girls in urban India,' Dr Coelho Rajeev Bhagwat, cardiologist at Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle, pointed out that while contraceptive pills are known to increase the risk of blood clots, doctors should carefully review a woman's family history of heart disease before prescribing them. 'Family history is a very strong factor for heart disease in young people,' he from TOI

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