Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximatley 10% of women of reproductive age. Insulin resistance accompanied by compensatory hyperinsulinemia is a prevalent feature that contribute to hyperandrogenism in PCOS. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of hyperandogenism in metabolic disturbances in PCOS.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 51 women with PCOS in Ghaem hospital of Mashhad, Iran in 2009. Patients were classified according to body mass index (BMI), hyperandrogenemia and hirsutism score. Serum level of fasting blood sugar, glucose level after oral glucose test, lipid profiles, serum insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared between classifications. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In patient with and without hyperandrogenemia, no significant differences were seen regarding HDL cholesterol (p=0.03) but significant higher values of systolic blood pressure (p=0.04), fasting blood sugar test (p=0.05), triglyceride (p=0.01) and lower HDL cholesterol level (p=0.02) were found in PCOS women with body mass index higher than 25. There was a significant positive correlation between hirsutism score and fasting blood sugar test.
Conclusion: In PCOS women, hyperandrogenemia is not associated with metabolic disturbances.