Effect of hyperinsulinemia and obesity on serum androgens levels and menstrual irregularity in Egyptian women

ABSTRACT

20 hyperinsulinemic and 20 non-hyperinsulinemic nondiabetic Egyptian women, age ranged between 20 to 45 years, were studied to determine menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenemia associated with hyperinsulinemia. Reproductive history was obtained by review of medical records. Serum testosterone [S. T], androstaneione [ASD], and dehydroepiandrostarone sulfate [DHEAS] levels were measured in stored serum samples. 60% [12 out of 20] of high insulin women had irregular menses, as compared with none of low insulin women [10 out of 20]. While, high insulin women were significantly obese than low insulin women, S. T and ASD levels were similar in high and low insulin women [X S. T 1.5 and 1.15 nmol/L respectively and X' ADD 3.76 versus 3.25 nmol/L]. Serum DHEAS was lower in high insulin than in low insulin women [X' 2.83 versus 4.52 nmol/L]. High insulin women with irregular menses had significantly higher S. T levels than high insulin women with regular menses [X' 1.60 versus 0.67 nmol/L], while ASD had DHEAS level were found to be similar in both groups. It was concluded that there is an association between hyperinsulinemia, obesity, irregular menstruation and high testosterone concentration. Also, low concentrations of DHEAS are associated with hyperinsulinemia in those women