Thyroid Function Profile in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women and is frequently associated with metabolic and hormonal disturbances. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, has been reported in PCOS, but findings remain inconsistent.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 women (100 PCOS and 100 non-PCOS), aged 19–25 years, from a tertiary care center. PCOS was diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria. Serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured using standard immunoassays. Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation.
Results: Mean T3, T4, and TSH levels were identical in both groups (T3: 1.14 ng/mL, T4: 7.62 ng/dL, TSH: 2.58 mIU/L), with no statistically significant differences. Thyroid parameters showed non-normal distribution with high variability, particularly TSH. Weak, non-significant correlations were observed between BMI and thyroid hormones in both groups.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction appears independent of PCOS status and BMI in young women. Similar thyroid profiles in both groups suggest a population-level burden rather than a PCOS-specific association. Universal thyroid screening is recommended.