Is PCOS an Autoimmune Disease? Here’s What Science Really Says

Is PCOS an autoimmune disease? That's a question many women silently wonder after being diagnosed with both PCOS and other autoimmune disorders. You might have already heard of Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus being related somehow. But is there a real connection?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affects 1 in 10 women globally. It is widely known as a hormonal imbalance. But what if there is more to it? What if your body is not just confused about hormones, but also mistakenly attacking itself?

The idea may seem far-fetched, but emerging studies are hinting at a potential autoimmune angle. In this blog, we explore every layer of this discussion. We dive deep into evidence, explain medical theories in simple words, and give you practical suggestions.

Let’s get into it.

Is PCOS an Autoimmune Disease? The Ongoing Debate & Emerging Theories

The connection between PCOS and autoimmune diseases is not just a passing thought. It's based on real observations and studies. Doctors have found a higher occurrence of autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's in women with PCOS. In fact, autoimmune thyroid issues show up three times more often in PCOS patients.

Another interesting link? A higher number of women with PCOS have been found to carry anti-ovarian antibodies. This has made researchers consider whether PCOS might be more than just hormonal.

But before jumping to conclusions, it's important to understand what PCOS and autoimmune diseases actually mean.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. It's often marked by irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones), ovarian cysts, and issues like weight gain or acne. While it’s commonly treated as an endocrine disorder, researchers are starting to look at it through a broader lens—one that includes inflammation and immune dysfunction.

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

When your immune system works well, it protects you from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful things. But in autoimmune diseases, the body gets confused. It sees its own tissues as threats and attacks them. This immune misfire leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and a wide range of symptoms depending on which part of the body is targeted—thyroid, joints, skin, and even ovaries.

Now, let’s understand how PCOS might fit into this definition.

Signs That PCOS Might Be Autoimmune

The autoimmune theory behind PCOS doesn’t rely on guesswork. There are real medical observations and connections that support this possibility:

• Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (Hashimoto's): Found in 18-40% of PCOS cases.

• Psoriasis Link: Women with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, are nearly four times more likely to have PCOS.

• Anti-Ovarian Antibodies: A higher presence is found in PCOS women. This hints that the immune system might be targeting ovarian tissue.

What do all these numbers and names mean to you? These could be pieces of a bigger puzzle. These signs indicate your body could be triggering internal inflammation. And this ongoing inflammation might be affecting your hormones, insulin levels, and ability to ovulate.

Let’s break down how exactly this may happen.

Why Some Experts Believe PCOS Has Autoimmune Roots

Many experts and researchers believe PCOS could involve autoimmune mechanisms. Here are three major reasons that keep coming up:

1. Chronic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Chronic inflammation is now believed to be at the root of many chronic illnesses—PCOS included. Women with PCOS often have high levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. This is true even if they are not overweight.

Inflammation can directly affect how your body uses insulin. Poor insulin sensitivity can throw off hormone levels, especially androgens like testosterone. It’s a cycle: inflammation triggers insulin resistance, which then worsens PCOS symptoms.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: Unopposed Estrogen

Women with PCOS generally have low progesterone. Why? Because they don’t ovulate regularly. Without ovulation, progesterone doesn't rise like it should.

At the same time, estrogen levels remain steady or even go up. This creates an imbalance, which experts call "unopposed estrogen." This imbalance is believed to stimulate the immune system in harmful ways.

3. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is not just a vitamin. It acts like a hormone and plays a key role in immune function. Women with PCOS and autoimmune thyroid disease have been found to have significantly lower levels of Vitamin D.

Lack of vitamin D may contribute to autoimmunity by affecting immune response and inflammation.

These are not just medical theories. They are signs pointing to a common link between PCOS and autoimmunity. Let’s move ahead and see how this could affect diagnosis and treatment.

PCOS and Autoimmune Symptoms: What Overlaps?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of common symptoms found in both PCOS and autoimmune disorders:

Looking at this table, you’ll notice a strong overlap. The symptoms are not just physical—they affect mental health too. Fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings are common in both.

How to Know If You Have Both PCOS and an Autoimmune Condition

Here’s the tricky part: most doctors look at PCOS as a standalone hormonal issue. They rarely test for autoimmune conditions unless there are clear symptoms.

To identify both, ask your doctor to:

• Test for thyroid antibodies (especially if TSH is normal but symptoms persist)

• Measure Vitamin D levels

• Check for inflammatory markers (like CRP or ESR)

• Evaluate symptoms like extreme fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes through the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test 

Keep a symptom journal and communicate clearly with your healthcare provider—diagnosis often depends on how well you describe what you’re experiencing.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage PCOS and Autoimmune Symptoms

Medications can help, but real healing often starts with your everyday choices. Here are science-backed changes that may reduce inflammation and ease both PCOS and autoimmune symptoms:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s can help. Try:

• Fatty fish like salmon

• Flaxseeds and walnuts

• Leafy greens

• Turmeric and ginger

Avoid:

• Highly processed foods

• Sugary snacks

• Fried and refined-carb-heavy meals

2. Stay Well Hydrated

Water won’t cure PCOS, but staying well hydrated helps flush toxins and supports metabolic and immune function. Aim for 8–10 glasses daily, more if you’re physically active.

Supplements That Support Both PCOS and Autoimmunity

Some evidence-based supplements that may help reduce inflammation and balance hormones include:

• Resveratrol

• CoQ10

• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

• Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)

• Curcumin (turmeric extract)

• Probiotics

• Alpha-lipoic acid

• Vitamin D (check levels first)

Natural Remedies That Can Help Both PCOS and Autoimmune Symptoms

While you must consult a doctor, these natural remedies have shown promise:

• Ashwagandha– Supports stress management and hormone balance

• Omega-3 for reducing inflammation

• Zinc– Regulates hormone levels

• Selenium – Supports thyroid function

Combine natural remedies with medical treatment for better outcomes. But always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Foods That Can Trigger Autoimmune Reactions in PCOS Women

Certain foods may worsen symptoms in women dealing with both PCOS and autoimmune conditions. Some women may feel worse after eating:

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Soy

• Excessive caffeine

Try an elimination diet—remove one food group at a time, observe for 2–4 weeks, then reintroduce slowly. Work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for the best results.

Conclusion: Stay Aware, Stay Prepared

So, is PCOS an autoimmune disease? Not officially—not yet. But the signs are hard to ignore:

• A higher rate of autoimmune conditions in PCOS patients

• Anti-ovarian antibodies

• Shared symptoms and biological pathways

This gives us a reason to look deeper.

If you have PCOS and suspect something deeper, don’t stop at hormone tests. Talk to your doctor about full testing. Ask about inflammation, vitamin D, and autoimmune markers. Be your own health advocate. Your body is complex—and your care should be, too. Consider lifestyle changes. Support your body with good food, proper rest, stress control, and expert advice. The more you understand your symptoms, the better you can work with your doctor toward personalized, effective treatment.

Your health is not just about fixing one symptom. It’s about seeing the full picture.