# Evaluation of Thyroid Function Status Among Diagnosed Cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Tribal-Preponderant State in India

## TL;DR

This study found that about 21% of PCOS patients in a tribal region of India had hypothyroidism, suggesting thyroid screening is important for better PCOS management.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data on hypothyroidism among PCOS patients in a tribal-preponderant Indian state.

## Key findings

- 20.87% of PCOS patients had TSH levels >5 μIU/mL, indicating hypothyroidism.
- PCOS patients showed higher BMI, WHR, testosterone, and LH levels compared to reference values.

## Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual disorders and infertility are among the most common physical and psychological stressors affecting women of reproductive age. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism among polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 139 cases of diagnosed PCOS at a tertiary care center in Jharkhand, India, from October 2019 to May 2021. Patients attending the Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and diagnosed with PCOS by radiology experts via ultrasound were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed by the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS.

Results: Out of 139 participants, 29 (20.87%) had thyroid-stimulating hormone levels of >5 μIU/mL, and 110 (79.13%) had thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of <5 μIU/mL, resulting in a hypothyroidism prevalence of 20.87%. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total testosterone, serum luteinizing hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were higher among PCOS patients than the reference values.

Conclusion: As hypothyroidism is linked to reproductive hormone imbalances, and its symptoms often overlap with PCOS, assessing thyroid function alongside reproductive hormone profiles can improve understanding and management of PCOS.