Autoimmune diseases in patients with different PCOS phenotypes.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with diverse metabolic and reproductive complications.
• The relationship between PCOS and autoimmune diseases remains unclear, necessitating further investigation.
• Understanding these links is crucial for comprehensive PCOS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders in a large cohort of women with PCOS.
• To explore potential associations between different PCOS phenotypes and susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.
• To examine the relationship between PCOS, obesity, hyperandrogenism, and autoimmune disorders.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1,249 women diagnosed with PCOS (aged 18-44 years).
• Recording of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and other autoimmune diseases.
• Exploration of associations between autoimmune disorders, PCOS phenotypes, hyperandrogenism, and obesity.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in PCOS patients was 20.3%.
• AIT prevalence was higher in obese PCOS patients (23.6%) compared to non-obese (18.6%).
• Non-thyroid autoimmune disorders (NTAID) affected 2.3% of PCOS women, with psoriasis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, alopecia areata, and rheumatoid arthritis being most common.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 22.6% of women with PCOS experience organ-specific or systemic autoimmune disorders.
• Investigating autoimmune markers in PCOS patients, especially those with diabetes, is vital for accurate diagnosis.
• Further research on the links between PCOS, skin conditions, and systemic inflammatory disorders holds clinical significance.