If you have PCOS, are you more predisposed to autoimmune diseases?
If you have PCOS, there’s a higher chance you may develop autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s, but PCOS itself doesn’t appear to increase risk for other types of autoimmune diseases.
Why so much crossover between PCOS and autoimmune thyroid issues? New research suggests that chronic inflammation may play a significant role in our understanding of both PCOS and autoimmune diseases.
PCOS doesn’t cause autoimmune disease, but it might be one
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that PCOS is an autoimmune disease. One study found a strong association between PCOS and antibodies for one or more autoimmune diseases. The most common were (5):
- Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
- Anti-ovarian antibodies
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
- Insulin autoantibodies
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation. And while some inflammation is a normal immune response to protect the body from infection or injury, with autoimmune disease this prolonged systemic inflammation can damage healthy cells and tissues.
In both PCOS and autoimmune thyroiditis, there is an increase in levels of certain proinflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that are involved in cell signaling, and they play a role in the development of chronic inflammation.
One study found that women with PCOS had higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including c-reactive protein levels that were 96% higher than controls, as well as elevated IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-alpha (6,7).
Related: Do You Have PCOS? Here’s Why You Should See an Integrative Doctor
Immune-driven processes affect female hormone function at multiple levels
Communication between the endocrine (hormone) system and the immune system regulates a large number of biological processes that affect gene expression, cytokine release, and hormone action (8). These processes control things like:
- Fertility (ovulation, implantation, etc.)
- Mood
- Sleep-wake cycles
- Blood sugar regulation
- Appetite
Normally, the female immune system is supportive of all of the above processes, but autoimmunity has the potential to interfere with hormone function at multiple levels.
Related: The Holistic Approach to Fight Inflammation
Inflammation as the root cause of both PCOS and autoimmune thyroid disease
So, what does this all mean?
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that PCOS is an inflammatory condition, and that inflammation may play a role in the development of both PCOS and autoimmune thyroiditis. Second, PCOS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis share common underlying causes, such as genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances.
The association between inflammation and autoimmunity in women with PCOS has been extensively discussed in recent years. Chronic, low-grade inflammation seems to be a link connecting metabolic dysfunction, weight gain, and insulin resistance and well.
Read: How to Lose Weight with a Low or Underactive Thyroid
How to reduce inflammation and improve autoimmunity associated with PCOS and hypothyroidism
A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet that can help to calm chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune disease and PCOS. This protocol eliminates common food triggers of inflammation, such as:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Soy
- Eggs
- Nightshades
- Nuts
In addition, an anti-inflammatory diet focuses on consuming plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and quality sources of protein.
The conventional approach to both autoimmune disease treatment and the management of PCOS symptoms generally focuses on immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, or—in the case of PCOS—hormonal birth control. While these are valid treatment options, they can have adverse side effects and may not be the right course of action for each patient.
To decrease chronic inflammation associated with PCOS and autoimmune thyroiditis, you have other options outside of (or in addition to) conventional treatments:
Get into a consistent diet and exercise routine—one that fights inflammation, not fuels it. Studies have shown that a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins and low in processed food, and physical activity is an effective treatment to manage PCOS symptoms (9).
Optimize glutathione—Increasing this powerful antioxidant has shown to decrease inflammatory markers.
Explore natural anti-inflammatories, like curcumin and acupuncture. Curcumin, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids are all excellent natural anti-inflammatories that can help mediate inflammatory markers. There is also growing support for treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture for reducing inflammation.
Is acupuncture the treatment you need to restore balance to your health? Learn more here.
If you are struggling with PCOS and/or hypothyroidism, I encourage you to seek out the help of a qualified healthcare practitioner. With the right diet and lifestyle changes, you can heal your body and improve your quality of life.
Anti-inflammatory PCOS-friendly diet
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for PCOS, but there are some general dietary guidelines that can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Some of the best foods to eat for reducing inflammation include:
The following diet recommendations may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and PCOS:
- Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugars.
- Address nutrient deficiencies associated with PCOS and thyroid issues, such as magnesium, B vitamins, iodine, and selenium
- Get more fiber, vitamins & minerals, and phytonutrients from vegetables and fruits. Choose organic when possible.
- Improve the quality of fats by eating more omega-3 fatty acids from fish and seafood, and omit inflammatory seed oils.
- Eat high-quality animal protein by choosing grass-fed beef, naturally-raised chicken, and sustainably caught or farmed, low-mercury fish. Avoid processed and cured meats, like bacon and deli meat.
- Aim for whole foods, and decrease consumption of ultra-processed foods that contain preservatives and other potentially inflammatory ingredients.
For more, check out Top 5 Anti Inflammatory Foods & Anti Inflammatory Diet
You’re in control of your health
Though traditionally thought of as a hormone and metabolic condition, some research suggests polycystic ovarian syndrome has more in common with autoimmune disease than previously believed. While scientists are still exploring the relationship between PCOS and autoimmune diseases, we know that chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in both conditions. Fortunately, there are things you can do to decrease inflammation and improve your health. By following the tips in this article, you may be able to effectively manage PCOS symptoms and reduce your risk of developing an autoimmune disease, as well as other inflammatory conditions. What changes will you make today to help decrease inflammation and improve your health?
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23548659/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287775/
- https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/21/3/378/676494
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23776908/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4871972/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22553983/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079227/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24189508/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8876590/