Hashimoto's thyroiditis worsens ovaries in polycystic ovary syndrome patients compared to Anti-Mullerian hormone levels

BackgroundThe human ovary is the target of autoimmune attack in cases of autoimmune disorders, which can cause ovarian dysfunction. Due to the higher prevalence of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients, we aimed to evaluate ovarian reserve and the effect of autoimmune exposure time on ovarian reserve in PCOS patients with HT by Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels.MethodsForty-six PCOS patients and 46 PCOS with HT diagnosed patients who are between 18 and 35years old were recruited for this study. Detailed medical histories were obtained from all participants. Polycystic ovary image was evaluated and antral follicles were counted by transvaginal ultrasound. Modified Ferriman Gallwey score, body mass index, waist/hip ratio of the patients were examined. Hormonal, biochemical profiles and AMH levels of the patients were evaluated during the early follicular phase. The data of both groups were statistically analyzed with SPSS 18.0.Results20 (43.5%) patients in the PCOS group were fertile, 8 (17.4%) patients in the PCOS + HT group were fertile, fertility rate was significantly lower in PCOS + HT group. The mean AMH value was 8.88.8 in the PCOS + HT group and 12.4 +/- 8.1 in the PCOS group and it was significantly lower in the PCOS + HT group (p =0.043). AMH values were significantly negatively correlated with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) level and the duration of HT. There was a significant positive correlation between the anti-TPO level and the duration of HT.ConclusonWe pointed out that the coexistence of PCOS and HT, two prevalent diseases of reproductive age, further diminished ovarian reserve. More exposure of the ovaries to autoantibodies can cause ovarian destruction, similar to the thyroid gland like HT. Because of all these close relations with PCOS and thyroid dysfunctions, we recommend evaluating both thyroid autoantibodies and hormone levels in PCOS patients at the first visit. Patients with PCOS + HT should be monitored more closely to determine the fertility treatment options and control premature ovarian failure (POF) table.

Automated summary

The study found that the coexistence of PCOS and HT in patients further diminished ovarian reserve, with lower fertility rates and AMH levels in PCOS patients with HT. AMH levels were negatively correlated with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and the duration of HT, while a significant positive correlation was found between anti-TPO levels and the duration of HT.