correlation between anthropometric measurements, insulin and reproductive hormones in Saudi females with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT

The recent theories of the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] have focused on the role of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The insights into the role of hyperinsulinemia in the development of PCOS brought into focus the role of obesity, which magnifies hyperinsulinemia observed in PCOS patients. [1] To study the variations in the levels of insulin and reproductive hormones in lean, overweight, and obese females with and without PCOS. [2] To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measurements, insulin, and reproductive hormones. A comparative cross-sectional study at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center [KFSH and RC], and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umm Al-Qura University. 212 Saudi female volunteers aged 19-36 years. Cases were 90 women with PCOS. Controls were 122 volunteers representing cross section of Saudi society. The cases and controls were subdivided into six groups according to their body mass index [BMI]; lean [BMI 18.5-24], overweight [BMI 25-29], and obese [BMI >30]. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height, BMI, and waist Hip ratio. Hormone and metabolic assessment was made for fasting insulin, glucose, FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstendione, and SHBG. Main Outcome Measures: The correlation between anthropometric measurements, insulin, and reproductive hormones in females with and without PCOS. Significant positive correlation between BMI and insulin was seen in overweight and obese control women. Fasting insulin levels were significantly higher among obese control women and PCOS patients. The presence of PCOS was not associated with any differences in FSH levels, but LH levels were increased significantly. Progesterone levels were significantly lower and E[2] levels were significantly higher among the PCOS patients than their control females. Testosterone and androstenedione levels were significantly higher and SHBG significantly lower in both obese control and PCOS patients. The main finding was a significant positive correlation between BMI and insulin in overweight and obese control women. In addition, insulin levels were significantly high in obese group, which confirmed that obesity in Saudi women is associated with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Longitudinal follow-up studies of these women are, therefore, recommended to evaluate the effects on future fertility and reproductive health