POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AND THYROID DYSFUNCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of childbearing age and can cause metabolic disorders, infertility, increased anxiety and depression; as a result, it can severely affect the physical and mental health of fertile women. PCOS is a clinically highly heterogeneous disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis, which increases the complexity of treatment. The thyroid gland has complex regulatory effects on metabolism, reproduction, and emotions and produces hormones that act on almost all cells in the human body. The clinical manifestations of PCOS are similar to some thyroid diseases. In addition, some thyroid diseases, such as subclinical hypothyroidism (SHPT), not only increase the incidence of PCOS, but also exacerbate associated metabolic and reproductive disorders. Interestingly, PCOS also increases the incidence of some thyroid disorders. However, the role of the thyroid gland in PCOS remains unclear. The aim of this review is to scrutinize the critical role of the thyroid gland in PCOS by summarizing the comorbidity of PCOS and thyroid disease and their joint role in metabolic disorders, related metabolic diseases, and reproductive disorders; and by analyzing the potential mechanism by which the thyroid gland influences the development and progression of PCOS and its symptoms.