Diminished ovarian reserve in normal cycling women is a predictor of unfavorable lipid levels and increased cardiovascular risk.

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in American women, accounting for up to 50% of deaths each year. Although cardiovascular disease rarely exists in premenopausal or perimenopausal women, in postmenopausal women the risk increases dramatically. One of the ways in which estrogens are thought to influence the risk of coronary heart disease is by altering lipoprotein levels. We examined the correlation between cycle day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (a measure of ovarian reserve) and lipid profiles in premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Decreased ovarian reserve may impact lipoprotein levels and accelerate progression of atherosclerosis prior to menopause.