Prevalence and Levels of Thyroid Autoantibodies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Impact of TSH- and BMI-Matched Comparisons: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
August 2025
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
Studysummary This study found that women with PCOS have significantly higher prevalence and levels of thyroid autoantibodies, with these elevated levels suggesting a potential independent autoimmune activation associated with PCOS.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This systematic review and meta-analysis, involving 40 studies with 6,045 PCOS patients and 4,527 controls, found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly higher prevalence and levels of thyroid autoantibodies, specifically anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG), compared to controls. The odds ratios for anti-TPO and anti-TG were 2.03 and 1.92, respectively. Even after matching for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and body mass index (BMI), anti-TPO levels remained elevated, suggesting that PCOS may independently contribute to increased autoimmune activity. The study underscores the importance of considering thyroid function in managing PCOS due to its potential link with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
