Abstract
Scarce data exist on the body composition of lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on treatment with metformin and oral contraceptives (OCs). Thirty-four lean (body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) women (17 with PCOS on metformin and OCs treatment for six months and 17 controls) aged 18–40 years were assessed for body composition parameters (fat, muscle, glycogen, protein masses, bone masses, and body water compartments) and phase angles. PCOS patients demonstrated lower muscle, glycogen and protein masses (U = 60, p = 0.003), along with a lower bone mineral content and mass (U = 78, p = 0.021; U = 74, p = 0.014) than their healthy counterparts, while total and abdominal fat masses were similar between the two groups. PCOS patients also exhibited increased extracellular body water (U = 10, p < 0.001) and decreased intracellular water, compatible with low-grade inflammation and cellular dehydration. Key differences in body composition between women with PCOS and controls demonstrated an osteosarcopenic body composition phenotype in PCOS patients. A confirmation of these findings in larger studies may render osteosarcopenia management a targeted adjunct therapy in women with PCOS.
Highlights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifarious endocrinopathy affecting up to 15% of reproductive-aged women worldwide [1] and 5%–7% of Greek women, with adverse consequences for their health and quality of life [2]
Our study revealed statistically significant differences in the body composition between lean women of reproductive age with PCOS under treatment with metformin and oral contraceptives and that of control women
Lean PCOS patients of reproductive age receiving metformin and oral contraceptives (OCs) for six months presented with osteosarcopenic elements and cellular dehydration
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifarious endocrinopathy affecting up to 15% of reproductive-aged women worldwide [1] and 5%–7% of Greek women, with adverse consequences for their health and quality of life [2]. The syndrome has been studied extensively in terms of genetics, epigenetics, hormonal interactions, diagnosis and complications. PCOS phenotypes are stratified according to age, reproductive status and body mass index [4]. Body mass index (BMI) is an inadequate means of body composition assessment, as it measures the degree of excess body weight but not the lean and fat body masses, both of which influence morbidity and mortality [5]. There is debate about the lean phenotype of PCOS regarding the characteristics and management modalities [6,7]
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