Obesity and hormone function changes in female patients with polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome is commonly associated with hyperandrogenism and anovulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on hormonal status in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study was performed at the Ward of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the General Hospital in Subotica. A retrospective investigation comprised 39 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. All patients were in the fertile age-range: 18-38 years. Following ultrasonographic examination and anamnestic data, patients underwent hormonal analyses of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin and insulin obtained from the pooled serum sample. Values of testosterone and insulin in the group of obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were significantly higher than in normal weight patients. Patients with normal body weight index had significantly increased levels of LH in regard to those with increased body weight index. Values of FSH, prolactin and LH/FSH ratio were not significantly different in both groups of polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Increased values of insulin were recorded in 43% of obese and 18.2% of normal weight patients. Analysis of investigated results confirmed that obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance have been a special clinical entity, whereas an open question remains whether obesity is directly connected with polycystic ovary syndrome or it is only an additional factor interfering with metabolic and hormonal status of genetically predisposed and phenotypically indoctrinated women with polycystic ovary syndrome.