Evaluation of endocrine parameters and glucose tolerance status in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe insulin resistance is a key abnormality in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sex steroid hormone levels and glucose tolerance status in obese PCOS patients. METHODS: 104 obese patients with PCOS (BMI≥23Kg/m3) and 95 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), plasma sex steroid hormones, fasting insulin, fasting glucose were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test was also performed according to WHO criteria. Hirsutism score and acne were recorded. Insulin resistance was evaluated by using homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and fasting glucose / fasting insulin ratio (Fasting GI ratio). RESULTS: plasma LH, LH/FSH ratio, total Testosterone, adrostenedione and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate (DHEA-S) were higher where as SHBG was lower in patient with obese PCOS compared to controls (P<0.05). Compared with healthy women, those with obese PCOS had significantly elevated fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and significantly decreased QUICKI and fasting GI ratio. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicates, elevated androgen levels, high degree of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in obese PCOS patients when compared with healthy control subjects.