Thyroid pcos connection?

[Anrolly]

my pcos was diagnosed via ultrasound (both ovaries enlarged and increased follicles) hormones were satisfactory.

My thyroid TSH level has been “out” for years on and off but recently it has been constantly high each time a blood test is taken.

Is there a connection?

Has anyone else had thyroid issues too?

Thanks

[Emelisa]

Hey Anrolly, yes I've got thyroid and pcos issues. I have borderline hypothyroidism (tested positive for antibodies and tsh regularly high but t4 currently ok, been same for years but because of antibodies they think I will develop hypothyroidism at some point so get regular blood tests) and likely have pcos (they won't confirm 100% as my cysts aren't big enough and my hormone levels were satisfactory but I do have irregular periods sometimes going months and months without one) - I've seen there has been some research into links between thyroid issues and pcos. Don't know if confirmed though

[Anrolly in reply to Emelisa]

Thank you for replying! I am exactly the same apart from I bleed constantly (3 months straight) rather than the absence of periods. It’s so interesting, I’m the same, thyroid level is at 6 and I am told treatment is not started until it reaches around 10.

My “pcos” is also sounds the same as yours as it cannot be confirmed 100% as hormone levels are ok. I was told by my GP that women can have increased follicles etc but not have pcos, it can be quite confusing as there is no apparent treatment for symptoms, it’s just “watchful waiting” .

Thank you for replying.

[Emelisa in reply to Anrolly]

Does sound very similar, apart from the periods. I am very irregular with periods, I have no idea when the next period will be. With the thyroid it depends on which GP I see - some tell me I can start treatment, others say no wait. i'd rather wait to be honest. Looking on this website at people with thyroid problems, taking levothyroxine can have its own problems. But of course when the symptoms of hypothyroidism really appear I'll take it.

Yeah, for the PCOS my GP at the time years ago basically said just go on the pill, recently I came off it to see what happened and yes periods still very irregular, saw GP recently who arranged ultrasound and blood tests, and they've excluded other causes, so basically probably PCOS and their response was try for a baby, and if you can't conceive we will refer you to a fertility clinic. If you don't want kids, basically I'd have been put on the pill again to regulate bleeds (except I was on progesterone only as disagreed with the combined pill so didn't get bleed)

[Anrolly in reply to Emelisa]

Yeah it’s so similar! I kind of feel like GP’s push to go on to the pill as a treatment as they have done with me but I haven’t taken it for years, I came off it because of mood swings and blood clot fears (I’m a hypochondriac) but I have been getting fed up lately because of constant bleeding that I’ve been debating it.

Yes, you’re right about the thyroid medication, I think I’d rather wait too rather than treat it if it isn’t really warranted. I have seen that levels can go back to normal again by themselves, mine have fluctuated in past. I think stress is a big factor too, especially during these times! Have you noticed period problems increase during the pandemic? I’m wondering.. maybe I’m just clutching at straws now lol.

Sorry to hear that .. what kind of advice is try for a baby, there is a lack of understanding and sympathy for women’s problems.

[Pinky2014]

Hey, yes I have just been diagnosed with under active thyroid. I’ve had PCOS for over 10 years, irregular periods and cysts. Then around two months again I got told that I have a thyroid issue. I’m on levothyroxine and it has bought my levels down to where they should be.

[Anrolly]

Thank you for replying, can I ask what your thyroid levels were? Mine were around 6 and was told they don’t treat it usually until levels get to 10 but they said I could start taking levothyroxine on a very lose dose but I have stopped bleeding for now so thought I’d wait and see.Does it come with side affects?

Thank you