I’m often asked questions about thyroid function because for many women with PCOS, there is a thyroid problem. It’s not surprising, really, given that hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmune disease are more commonly found in PCOS.
Research shows some interesting connections between thyroid problems and PCOS. When the thyroid isn’t working properly (a condition known as hypothyroidism), several hormonal changes occur in the body.
First, levels of the protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) decrease. Think of SHBG as a taxi service for hormones—it carries testosterone through the bloodstream and keeps it “locked up” so it can’t cause problems. When SHBG levels fall, more testosterone floats around freely in the blood, which can cause issues.
At the same time, the body doesn’t process oestrogen (a primary female hormone) normally. And here’s the striking finding: more than one-third of women with an underactive thyroid—36.5% to be exact—also have polycystic ovaries, a hallmark feature of PCOS.
In research terms: “Decreased SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globule) and increased free testosterone levels and altered estradiol (an oestrogen) metabolism have been described in hypothyroid patients, whereas PCO (Polycystic Ovaries) has been detected in 36.5% of hypothyroid patients.” — Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis, co-author of Insulin Resistance and Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment, p. 325.
The authors of the research believe that poor thyroid function alters how genes are expressed. The genes which get expressed bring about the changes seen in PCOS.
So thyroid problems and PCOS often go hand in hand, likely because they both disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in a woman’s and an ovarian owner’s body.
How Do You Know If You Have A Thyroid Problem?
Some Signs & Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) include:
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Muscle weakness, pain & cramps
- Cold intolerance, cold hands/feet
- Goitre (swelling over the thyroid)
- Weight gain
- Frequent infections
- Depression
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Menstrual irregularities and infertility
- High cholesterol
- “Brain fog” and indecisiveness
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair loss from the scalp and the outer third of the eyebrows
- Slowed pulse
- Hoarse voice
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Poor memory, poor concentration
- Chronic constipation
- Irritability
- Throat pain, or a tender feeling
- Slow reflexes
- Fluid retention
What Tests Help Identify a Thyroid Problem?
I recommend a comprehensive panel of TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies; however, most practitioners typically only refer for TSH—at least to start. The problem is that the range usually given in the path lab results is too broad. Take a look at your own results; your TSH should ideally sit between 1 and 2.5 IU/L.
Would you like to find out more?
Read PCOS and Hypothyroidism: What Your Main Test Result Really Means.
Help Your Thyroid Function Better
The leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide is insufficient iodine intake. How can you increase your intake of this vital nutrient?
Foods high in iodine
- Sushi
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Kelp
- Fish paste
- Sea vegetables (if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- Radishes
- Onions
- Cocoa powder
- Watercress
You also need sufficient levels of other nutrients like zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Natural PCOS treatments and natural thyroid treatments are very effective.
As always, feel free to share or forward this post. If you’d like me to cover this topic in more detail, let me know in the comments.
Until next time.
From PCOS to perfect health, with love,
Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com
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