Subclinical hypothyroidism in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an analysis of clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between selected clinical and metabolic parameters in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal thyroid function or subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Design: A cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary care clinic.

Patient(s): Women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (n = 168).

Intervention(s): Clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters were evaluated. SCH was defined as TSH levels of 4.5-10 mIU/L.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Separately, PCOS and SCH exert adverse effects on metabolic parameters; however, in conjunction their effect is unclear. This study evaluated whether SCH in women with PCOS affects clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters.

Result(s): The mean age of the 168 women was 24 ± 5.8 years. Mean body mass index was 33.4 ± 8.2 kg/m(2). Thyroid function was normal in 149 women, and 19 had SCH. Only serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and PRL levels were significantly higher in the women with SCH (122.6 ± 25.6 mg/dL and 17.7 ± 7.7 ng/mL, respectively) compared with those with normal thyroid function (105.6 ± 33 mg/dL and 14 ± 10.3 ng/mL, respectively).

Conclusion(s): In young women with PCOS, SCH is associated with higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, albeit with no changes in other lipid profile parameters, insulin resistance, or phenotypic manifestations. This study adds to current evidence supporting an association between PCOS and SCH.