Evaluation of homocysteine levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

To determine the level of plasma homocysteine in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] compared with healthy controls. In this prospective case-control study on 85 PCOS women and 83 controls matched by body mass index [BMI], homocysteine levels were assessed. The mean level of homocysteine was 16.25 +/- 11.94 micromol/L in patients with PCOS and 11.58 +/- 3.82 micromol/L in controls [p=0.002]. Patients with PCOS had a significantly higher risk for hyperhomocysteinemia compared with BMI-matched control women. These data suggest that homocysteine levels are elevated in the PCOS population. Further studies are needed to characterize this relationship