Thyroid Function and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder of reproductive-aged women. It is closely associated with thyroid function. Thyroid malfunction can raise certain clinical manifestations, such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, cystic ovarian and metabolism disorder, which may aggravate the pre-existent polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, the prevalence rate of thyroid malfunction, mainly caused by autoimmune thyroiditis, increases notably in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Till now, the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear, which need further investigations. The relationship between thyroid function and polycystic ovary syndrome plays an important role in the prevention and diagnosis of both diseases. Key words: polycystic ovary; thyroid; autoimmune thyroiditis; insulin resistance