Selected metabolic parameters and the risk for uterine fibroids

Abstract Objective To analyze the possible association between insulin resistance and dyslipidemia with uterine fibroids, using objective metabolic measurements. Method A cross-sectional study of 56 women with uterine fibroids (case group) and 20 women without fibroids (control group). Levels of fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, sex hormone-binding globulin, and the lipid panel were measured. The short insulin tolerance test was performed. Body mass index, atherogenic index, and the indicator of insulin resistance (Kitt) were also calculated. Results Women with fibroids had significantly higher levels of serum HDL-cholesterol compared with control patients (1.8 ± 0.3 vs 1.6 ± 0.5; P < 0.05). Women with fibroids aged 30–45 years had significantly lower LDL-cholesterol levels than comparative control patients (2.9 ± 0.7 vs 3.4 ± 0.9; P < 0.05). A positive correlation between volume of the largest fibroid and serum HDL-cholesterol level was found in women aged 30–45 years. There were no differences in indicators of insulin resistance between the groups. Conclusion Insulin resistance was not shown to be a risk factor for fibroids. There is a negative association between some parameters of metabolic syndrome and fibroid volume.