ASSESSING THE FREQUENCY OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AMONG WOMEN WITH PCOS

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, often linked to metabolic complications. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), though asymptomatic, shares features with PCOS, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and menstrual irregularities.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of SCH among women with PCOS at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 158 women aged 20–50 years with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) were recruited from Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, between April and September 2024. Patients with known thyroid disorders or other endocrine conditions were excluded. Thyroid function tests were performed, with SCH defined as TSH >5.0 mIU/L and normal free T4 (0.91–1.55 ng/dL). Data were analyzed using SPSS v25; associations were assessed with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: SCH was observed in 36 patients (22.8%). Significant associations were found with elevated BMI, longer PCOS duration, and family history of thyroid disorders.

Conclusion: SCH is prevalent in women with PCOS, supporting the need for routine thyroid screening to enable early management and improve outcomes.