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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Irregular periods, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, mildly elevated androgens, normal insulin levelsOvulatory PCOS (accounts for 16% of affected women): characterized by normal periods, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, elevated androgens, increased insulinHyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation (accounts for 7% of affected women): characterized by irregular periods, normal ovaries on ultrasound, elevated androgens, increased insulinSevere PCOS (accounts for 61% of affected women): characterized by irregular periods, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, elevated androgens, increased insulinThis helps explain some of the heterogeneity of this syndrome which I have also observed in clinical practice.Is PCOS Autoimmune?It is possible PCOS is an autoimmune condition. This new theory is based on evidence of specific antibodies documented in PCOS patients, including anti-nuclear (ANA), anti-thyroid, anti-spermatic, anti-SM, anti-histone, anti-carbonic anhydrase, anti-ovarian, and anti-islet cell antibodies.14In addition, there is an association between PCOS and other autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Disease. More research is needed.The Connection Between PCOS and Hashimoto’s DiseaseHashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid and one of the most common conditions I treat in practice.Interestingly, Hashimoto’s is three times more common in women with PCOS than in women without it.In women with both Hashimoto’s and PCOS, high testosterone is less common, but they have an elevated risk of insulin resistance. This makes sense since thyroid disorders tend to exacerbate issues with weight and metabolism.15Thyroid issues also significantly affect fertility problems if not mitigated by proper treatment.The bottom line is anyone diagnosed with Hashimoto’s should pay attention to additional symptoms of PCOS – and vice versa.A Functional Medicine
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