Thyroid and PCOS: How related they are?

Most women claim that they see no difference in the symptoms of PCOS and Thyroid. Medical studies also observe a direct association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Let’s plunge into the depth of these two disorders and know what are the different ways to manage their symptoms. 

In this article:

• What are Hypothyroidism and its symptoms?
• What are PCOS and its symptoms?
• How are PCOS and Thyroid connected?
• Hypothyroidism and PCOS diet
• FAQs related to PCOS and Thyroid
• Summary

What are Hypothyroidism and its symptoms?

Located at the front of your neck, the butterfly-shaped gland is the theory behind your metabolism. The main factor in keeping your metabolism in check is based on how this thyroid gland operates. The food that you eat is assimilated and converted into energy. Your speed of metabolism is governed by the thyroid which produces hormones like Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine etc.

Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones can lead to hypothyroidism. It is the second most common endocrine disorder among women. When it happens, a series of changes take place in your body such as hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, depression and irregular periods or menstrual abnormalities etc. One of the serious effects can be PCOS too. It is best to get a PCOS assessment done when the thyroid is detected to avoid fuelling your hypothyroidism with PCOS troubles. 

What are PCOS and its symptoms?

PCOS happens when the body produces too much androgen, a male hormone, in your body. Hormonal imbalance sets you up on a journey of PCOS. There are genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle factors that come into play when you consider bilateral polycystic ovaries. The most common symptoms of PCOS are hair loss, facial hair growth, abnormal weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety and depression etc. 

How are PCOS and Thyroid connected?

Since the symptoms of both endocrine disorders play out the same, experts claim that there is a direct link between them. If having thyroid could result in pcos, vice versa could also happen. A quarter of PCOS women say that they suffer from Hyperthyroidism. Also, mainly because insufficient thyroid levels could hike up androgen in your body, one of the significant reasons for you to develop PCOS. 

Hypothyroidism and PCOS diet

Nurture a healthy diet as part of your daily routine. As you could also develop insulin resistance because of PCOS, you need to be watchful of what you eat. A diet rich in nutrients, proteins and fewer carbohydrates should be taken. Do not go overboard on your carbs but 100g of carbs is sufficient for a day. Avoid eating sugar-rich foods as you could develop diabetes. Intake a lot of nuts and seeds, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid junk foods. As weight gain is an issue in both conditions, probiotic foods prevent bloating and can be helpful to lose excess weight easily. Probiotic sources are probiotic milk, yoghurt and buttermilk. Talk to a nutritionist or a diet consultant from Newmi care to know foods to welcome during PCOS and thyroid and foods to avoid during these conditions. 

FAQs related to PCOS and Thyroid

• Can Thyroid and PCOS patients get pregnant?

PCOS affects fertility as it disturbs the ovulation cycle in women. Ovarian follicles do not reach maturity in the PCOS body because of the excess androgen levels. Similarly, In the thyroid, the High prolactin hormone causes distress and is not supportive enough for ovulation. As androgen levels plummet in PCOS and Thyroid, it doesn’t favour your ovulation pattern. That would pose difficulty in tracking ovulation. Due to these reasons, PCOS and thyroid-affected women find it difficult to get pregnant. But now many ovulation drugs are making women’s lives easier. It is best to talk to a fertility specialist if you are undergoing treatment for both these conditions as well as aspiring for a healthy pregnancy by natural means. Your fertility speciality will help you with a plan after a round of tests and scans. 

• What are the early signs of Thyroid?

If your weight is constantly fluctuating and you are seeing abnormal weight gain in the past few months, then you must get a thyroid test done. Other signs are hair loss, constant fatigue, sensitivity to heat and cold etc. Since it is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your cells, in this case, the thyroid gets attacked by your immune system. 

• What are the different tests for PCOS?

• PCOD / PCOS profile test – The play of various hormones is detected using PCOD/PCOS profile test. The test involves checking for LH (Luteinising hormone) in the blood. Then a profile test checks for FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) levels. Along with these two, it also checks for prolactin serum hormone that produces the pituitary gland along with CBC test, blood sugar, and testosterone levels detection. The normal range of all these ensures your reproductive fitness. 
• PCOS/PCOD panel test -  PCOD panel tests include testing for blood sugar fasting and postprandial, hba1c, testosterone levels, prolactin and thyroid detection.

These tests will help identify and give clarity to a doctor to suggest the next step to deal with the PCOS condition. You can check Newmi care lab tests and diagnosis to book a PCOS and Thyroid test. 

Summary

There are medications for PCOS and Thyroid. Depending on the severity of these conditions, your expert will suggest medications and supplements. Also, ovulation drugs are recommended in such times to help you with ovulation and pregnancy. Follow a healthy diet, and regular exercise, and reduce your stress levels with yoga or meditation for a speedy reversal of these conditions. Check out Newmi care plans for PCOS and hormonal health to know more about these illnesses. However, if you are facing serious problems, you should visit an endocrinologist immediately.