Thyroid Function Role in PCOS
The importance of understanding the connection between thyroid function and PCOS cannot be overlooked. It can have a significant impact on the development and severity of PCOS symptoms. Research has found that women with PCOS have an underactive thyroid when compared to those without PCOS.
Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Function and PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Although experts have yet to fully understand the exact cause of PCOS, they believe that thyroid function is one of the contributing factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of thyroid function in PCOS and how it can affect your health.
What is the thyroid gland?
Located in the neck, the thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland. It produces hormones that regulate various functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
The link between thyroid function and PCOS
Research has shown that women with PCOS are more likely to have thyroid disorders than those without PCOS. The most common thyroid disorder seen in women with PCOS is hypothyroidism. A disorder where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. An underactive thyroid can cause various symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety and depression, which are also commonly observed in women with PCOS.
Thyroid hormones also play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Thyroid hypofunction can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS. In addition, medical research has linked thyroid dysfunction with insulin resistance, which is one of the characteristic features of PCOS. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and other metabolic abnormalities.
Treating thyroid dysfunction in PCOS
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and are experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, it is crucial to get your thyroid function tested. Your healthcare provider may order a blood test to measure your thyroid hormone levels and determine if there are any abnormalities. A complete thyroid panel should be assess including TSH, total and free T3 and T4. Also, thyroid antibodies are extremely important when assessing thyroid function.
Functional medicine approach to PCOS
Functional and precision medicine providers are experts in evaluating hormones, including thyroid function. They use a holistic approach to find the root cause of your PCOS, rather than simply prescribing birth control pills or synthetic hormones to manage symptoms.
Functional medicine practitioners look beyond the traditional medical model of diagnosing and treating diseases based solely on symptoms. Instead, they aim to identify and address the underlying imbalances that are causing your symptoms. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of your health history, symptoms, and laboratory results to develop a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of your PCOS.
When it comes to thyroid function, functional medicine practitioners understand that imbalances in thyroid hormones can contribute to the development of PCOS symptoms. They will thoroughly evaluate your thyroid function through blood tests to assess levels of T3, T4, and TSH hormones. This helps identify any underlying thyroid issues that may be contributing to your PCOS.
Once identified, a functional medicine provider will create a personalized treatment plan. Which may include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and targeted supplements to improve your thyroid function and address your PCOS symptoms. By addressing the root cause of your PCOS and optimizing your thyroid function, functional medicine practitioners can help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH TO PCOS!
Conclusion
Thyroid function plays a crucial role in regulating various functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, and development. Women with PCOS are more likely to have thyroid disorders, which can worsen the symptoms of PCOS. If you have PCOS and are experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, it’s important to get tested and treated accordingly. By managing both conditions, you can improve your health and overall quality of life.
Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome: An emerging relationship