Reproductive and biochemical changes in obese and non obese polycystic ovary syndrome women

Peer review under responsibility of Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine.

Available online 13 April 2014

Abstract

Background

Reproductive, clinical and laboratory implication varies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to body weight.

Objective

To compare reproductive, clinical and laboratory data between obese and non obese women with PCOS.

Methods

A cohort of 180 women with PCOS who attended outpatient clinic of Taibah University from January to September 2012 was included. Studied women were classified according to body mass index (BMI) into overweight/obese (BMI >25 kg/m²) and normal weight women (BMI ⩽25 kg/m²). Each participant answered a specially designed interviewing format and subjected to medical checkup for signs of hyperandrogenism. Fasting insulin and glucose, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E₂), prolactin (PRL), progesterone and testosterone levels were estimated. Statistical analyses were performed as appropriate.

Results

Of the studied 180 PCOS women, there were 80 overweight obese women (44.4%) and 100 normal weight women (55.6%). Obese PCOS women were less highly educated, less working and reported low family history rate of PCOS. Compared to non obese PCOS women, obese PCOS women reported higher age of menarche, abortion and menstrual disturbance with statistically significant difference. Signs of hyperandrogenism and ancanthosis nigricans were significantly more manifested in obese PCOS women. Mean levels of studied metabolic and sex hormones were significantly higher in obese PCOS women.

Conclusions

Overweight and obese PCOS women had significantly higher age of menarche, abortion and menstrual disturbances. Also, signs of hyperandrogenism, acanthosis nigricans were more encountered among them with higher levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, FSH, LH and testosterone.

KEYWORDS:

• Body mass index
• Insulin resistance
• Hyperandrogenism
• Polycystic ovary syndrome

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all women who participated in this study as well as health care team at the studied outpatient clinics for their help and co-operation.

Notes

Peer review under responsibility of Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine.

Available online 13 April 2014