PCOS and Hashimoto’s: The Overlooked Hormone Duo

Did you know that PCOS and Hashimoto’s often go hand in hand?

Many women are diagnosed with one—or neither—and still struggle with mystery symptoms: weight gain, fatigue, irregular periods, anxiety, infertility, and hair thinning. The truth? These two conditions frequently overlap, and the root causes are more connected than you’ve been told.

🧬 What’s the Link Between PCOS and Hashimoto’s?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder marked by irregular cycles, high androgens, and often insulin resistance. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism over time.

It might seem like they’re unrelated, but both are rooted in similar foundational imbalances:

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Blood sugar dysregulation

  • Hormone resistance (insulin and sometimes cortisol)

  • Nutrient deficiencies (like vitamin D, selenium, and zinc)

  • Gut dysfunction and increased intestinal permeability

  • And sometimes… genetics or trauma

🔄 Which Comes First?

Sometimes PCOS is diagnosed in the teens or 20s, and Hashimoto’s shows up later. Other times, low thyroid function is caught first, and PCOS is brushed off as “just irregular periods” or “normal for your age.”

But when you zoom out and look at the whole picture, you often see the same stressors behind both:

👉 Elevated insulin can worsen thyroid hormone conversion
👉 Estrogen dominance can drive immune dysfunction
👉 Low thyroid slows metabolism and contributes to irregular cycles
👉 High androgens can block thyroid receptors
👉 Poor detox pathways can affect both hormone clearance and autoimmunity

⚠️ Symptoms That May Signal You Have Both

If you have PCOS or Hashimoto’s and still don’t feel well, it’s worth exploring whether both are present. Here are symptoms that may suggest an overlap:

  • Irregular or missed periods

  • Cystic acne or facial hair

  • Unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight

  • Hair loss at the crown or overall thinning

  • Cold hands/feet, constipation, low body temp

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

  • Infertility or miscarriage history

  • Fatigue despite “normal” labs

You’re not imagining it. These symptoms are real, and they often stem from deeper root causes that conventional medicine treats in isolation—if at all.

🛠️ What Can You Do About It?

Here’s the good news: supporting the foundational systems in your body helps both conditions at once.

✅ Balance Blood Sugar

  • Eat protein + fiber + fat at every meal

  • Avoid skipping meals

  • Ditch refined carbs and added sugars

  • Consider walking after meals to lower insulin spikes

✅ Reduce Inflammation

  • Eliminate gluten and dairy if sensitive

  • Support gut healing and detox pathways

  • Use anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, leafy greens, and berries

  • Prioritize sleep and stress management

✅ Support Hormone Clearance

  • Optimize liver function with cruciferous veggies, hydration, and movement

  • Use castor oil packs and gentle lymph support

  • Consider supplements like DIM or calcium d-glucarate (with guidance)

✅ Test—Don’t Guess

Ask your provider to run:

  • Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies)

  • Fasting insulin and glucose, A1C

  • DHEA-S, testosterone, LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone

  • CRP, Vitamin D, Ferritin

You deserve to see the whole picture.

💬 You’re Not Broken—You’re Just Missing the Right Support

PCOS and Hashimoto’s may be common, but you’re not meant to struggle silently. When we zoom out and treat the whole woman, not just the diagnosis, everything changes.

If you suspect both are playing a role in your health, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate this by yourself.

✨ I help women with complex, overlapping issues untangle their symptoms and finally feel like themselves again.

Let’s find your root cause—together.

Next
Next

From Surviving to Thriving: What to Expect in Your First 30 Days Going Gluten-Free