Comparison of metabolic and endocrinal parameters in obese and nonobese women of polycystic ovarian syndrome with normal controls

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the metabolic and endocrinal parameters between obese and nonobese polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women with normal controls. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional comparative study. One-hundred PCOS women were randomized into two groups: Group I obese (n = 50) and Group II nonobese (body mass index [BMI] cutoff <23 kg/m 2 ). Fifty non-PCOS normal weight women formed the control Group III. Metabolic parameters (lipid profile, blood sugar profile, and serum insulin) and endocrinal parameters (serum luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone) were compared between the three groups. Results: Mean age of all the groups was comparable. A significantly higher waist circumference was seen in Group I; however, waist-hip ratio (WHR) was comparable between obese and nonobese PCOS groups. Between Groups I and II, mean fasting blood sugar, mean values of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and clinical hyperandrogenism were statistically comparable. Degree of insulin resistance (IR) in Group I versus Group II (44% vs. 36%) and of metabolic syndrome in Group I (20%) versus Group II (8%) was statistically comparable. Degree of hypertension (P = 0.001), IGT (P = 0.001), and dyslipidemia were higher in nonobese PCOS group versus normal group. Mean values of serum LH, serum fasting insulin, and serum testosterone were significantly different in nonobese PCOS women when compared with normal. Prevalence of IR (36% vs. 8%; P < 0.01) and metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in nonobese PCOS than normal controls. Conclusion: PCOS per se has evolved as a risk factor for endocrinal and metabolic derangements irrespective of the BMI status. Prevalence of IR and metabolic syndrome is high in nonobese PCOS as compared to normal controls, risks being as high as that in obese PCOS.