PCOS and Thyroid
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders are two of the most common hormone disorders in women.
At Root, we often see women presenting with BOTH of these conditions. Is there a connection?
In this article, we’ll discuss the relationship between PCOS and thyroid conditions (Hashimoto’s in particular) and what you can do to start feeling better.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is an inflammatory condition that affects your hormones and menstrual cycle. Some studies report that PCOS affects up to 15 percent of women (1). Although some women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries, it is not a requirement for diagnosis.
Most women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens, i.e. “male” hormones, and insulin resistance. Symptoms of PCOS may include period irregularities, acne, infertility, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, and mood disturbances.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck.
Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, and women are 10 times more likely to have Hashimoto’s than men (2). In fact, up to 9 percent of pregnant women develop Hashimoto’s after pregnancy. Read more about autoimmune disease after pregnancy here.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s include period irregularities, dry/thinning hair, fatigue, sensitivity to cold temperatures, mood disturbances, and more.
PCOS and Thyroid
While researchers aren’t quite sure how these two conditions are related, it is clear that there is a bidirectional relationship. For example, women with PCOS are three times more likely to also suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroid disease than the general population (3, 4).
At the same time, polycystic appearing ovaries can be a clinical sign of hypothyroidism.
This is why your doctor should rule out hypothyroidism before diagnosing PCOS (5).
This is why your doctor should rule out hypothyroidism before diagnosing PCOS (5).
PCOS and thyroid conditions also share common characteristics, like period irregularities, increased insulin resistance, and dysregulation of the immune system.
At Root, we actually wrote the first book in the U.S. on the connection between PCOS and thyroid conditions. The PCOS Thyroid Connection, by Dr. Erica Armstrong, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble online and more.
At Root, we actually wrote the first book in the U.S. on the connection between PCOS and thyroid conditions. The PCOS Thyroid Connection, by Dr. Erica Armstrong, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble online and more.
What Can You Do?
PCOS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are both inflammatory conditions. In functional medicine we focus on treating root causes to reduce inflammation in the body. So, whether you have PCOS, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or both, here are a few ways you can start healing.
Improve Your Gut Health
Your gut plays a large role in balancing sex hormones, like estrogen, reducing overall inflammation, and creating a healthy environment for friendly gut bacteria to thrive. So, healing the gut is essential in treating the root cause of PCOS and Hashimoto’s.
Here are a few ways you can start improving your gut health at home:
- Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods.
- Include probiotic-rich foods as tolerated (kombucha, raw sauerkraut, kimchi, etc.)
- Consider taking a multi-strain probiotic. A recent 2022 study showed a multi-strain probiotic along with dietary and lifestyle modifications were effective in the management of PCOS (6).
- Limit foods high in added sugar.
- Limit gut irritants, like excessive caffeine and alcohol.
- Spend time in and around nature/plants.
Sometimes, women require more interventions to truly heal their gut. This is where working with a functional medicine practitioner to guide you through a personalized treatment plan is key.
Best Types of Magnesium Supplements
There are many different forms of magnesium supplements. The most common type of magnesium used in conventional medicine is called magnesium oxide (found in Milk of Magnesia). Unfortunately, magnesium oxide is not well absorbed and can have a strong laxative effect leading to uncomfortable bloating and diarrhea. In fact, only about 5 percent of magnesium oxide is absorbed and used by the body (6).
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is one of our top choices for magnesium supplementation. The magnesium is combined with citrate, an organic salt. It is relatively cheap and has a better rate of absorption than magnesium oxide (6).
Magnesium citrate is a great option for people with constipation, as it can have a gentle laxative effect. This supplement works by pulling water into the intestines to make your bowel movements softer and easier to pass. However, unlike magnesium oxide, the laxative effect is much more tolerable.
Magnesium citrate may also be recommended for migraine prevention.
Magnesium Glycinate
Our other preferred magnesium supplement is called magnesium glycinate. Magnesium glycinate (also called magnesium bisglycinate) is well-tolerated and absorbed in the body.
In this case, the magnesium is combined with an amino acid called glycine. Glycine works alongside many neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain), like GABA, to promote feelings of calm. Glycine may also improve sleep quality and promote a healthy circadian rhythm (7).
Additionally, magnesium has strong anti-inflammatory benefits. We may use magnesium glycinate to improve blood sugar levels or to help reduce overall inflammation in the body.
This form of magnesium is less likely to have a laxative effect than magnesium citrate. Because it is bound to the amino acid glycine, it has a calming effect and can be used for stress relief, insomnia, anxiety, and more.
Easy PCOS Lab Ordering
Our PCOS panel is designed to uncover the root causes of common PCOS symptoms like weight loss resistance, acne, skin and hair changes, low energy, and irregular periods. Join Root Access to get started.
Join Root Access
Related Articles
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is the most common metabolic and hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age, and is estimated to effect between 6-13% of women. It is the leading cause of female infertility in the United States. Per the Rotterdam Criteria, women must meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS: Absent or irregular menstrual cycles (Oligo- or amenorrhea). Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (such as high testosterone) Polycystic ovaries (confirmed via ultrasound)
Anxiety and Hormone Balance
Imbalances in progesterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and vitamin D may all cause or worsen your anxiety. Treatment of these imbalances may include diet, lifestyle modifications, supplementation, and/or medication when needed.