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Updated: May 8, 2026
09:44
Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Alterations in thyroid function among the different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes
Giuseppe Morgante1, Maria Concetta Musacchio, Raoul Orvieto
1Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena , Siena , Italy and.
Summary
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is common in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Insulin sensitizers can improve thyroid function in PCOS patients with insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Thyroidology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with infertility.
- Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is a condition characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal free thyroid hormone levels.
- The relationship between PCOS, infertility, and thyroid dysfunction requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction in infertile patients with PCOS.
- To analyze the association between PCOS phenotypes and subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
- To assess the effect of insulin sensitizers on thyroid function in insulin-resistant (IR) PCOS patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing infertile PCOS patients with healthy infertile controls.
- Hormonal and metabolic profiles were assessed in the early follicular phase.
- IR-PCOS patients received insulin sensitizers for 6 months, with follow-up hormonal assessments.
Main Results:
- PCOS patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction compared to controls.
- Overweight/obese and IR-PCOS patients showed a higher prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
- Insulin sensitizer treatment in IR-PCOS patients led to a significant reduction in TSH levels after 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Infertile PCOS patients have a high prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
- Subclinical thyroid dysfunction in PCOS is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
- Insulin sensitizers represent a potential therapeutic option for improving thyroid function in IR-PCOS patients.
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