Open AccessHigh androgen levels protect against hypothyroidism
Author(s) -
Schmidt Johanna,
Dahlgren Eva,
Bryman Inger,
Berntorp Kerstin,
Trimpou Penelope,
Wilhelmsen Lars,
LandinWilhelmsen Kerstin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.13054
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperandrogenism , polycystic ovary , population , turner syndrome , gynecology , endocrinology , obstetrics , obesity , insulin resistance , environmental health
Hypothyroidism is a common disorder, appearing mainly in women although less frequently found in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective was to test the hypothesis that hyperandrogenism might protect against hypothyroidism. Material and methods The data from three prospective follow‐up studies (up to 21 years) and one register study were compared: women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria), n = 25, women with Turner syndrome, n = 217, a random population sample of women, n = 315, and men, n = 95 (the WHO MONICA study). Findings were to be verified or rejected in all females, n = 553 716, from the same region. The proportion of hypothyroidism was calculated and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) in serum were measured. Results Hypothyroidism at >50 years of age was found in 8% of women with PCOS, 4% in men (PCOS vs. men; ns), 43% of women with Turner syndrome, irrespective of karyotype ( p < 0.001 vs. PCOS), and in 17% of postmenopausal women in the population ( p < 0.01 vs. PCOS). Elevated TPO were similar in PCOS and women and men in the population but higher in Turner syndrome. Hypothyroidism increased with age in all groups except PCOS women and men. In the register study, hypothyroidism was less common in women with PCOS >25 years (5.5%) than in women without PCOS (6.8%) from the same region ( p < 0.01). Conclusions Hypothyroidism was less frequently seen in women with PCOS and in men compared with women in the general population and among women with Turner syndrome. This was not explained by altered autoimmunity or the Y‐chromosome. Androgens seem to protect against hypothyroidism.