Background: Altered luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone (LH-FSH) ratio and hyperandrogenism are two important pathophysiological characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of LH-FSH ratio with androgen in women with PCOS. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 550 newly detected reproductive aged women with PCOS (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age 23.14 ± 4.80 years; body mass index (BMI) 27.64 ± 5.34 kg/m 2) according to revised Rotterdam criteria. Relevant clinical history, physical examination and ultrasonogram of ovaries were done for each participant. Fasting serum LH, FSH and total testosterone (TT) were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay from blood collected during follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Results: More than two-thirds (n = 389, about 71%) had altered LH-FSH ratio (cut-off > 1.0) and about 43% (n = 234) had hyperandrogenemia (TT > 46 ng/dL). Frequency of none of the clinical variables or ovarian morphology differed statistically between the groups with or without altered LH-FSH ratio (NS for all). Serum TT and LH-FSH ratio were positively correlated (r = 0.139, P = 0.001). However, menstrual irregularity (P = 0.002), polycystic ovaries (P = 0.045), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.017), obesity (P = 0.009) and hirsutism (P < 0.001) were higher in frequency in the hyperandrogenic group. Serum TT had predictive association with altered LH-FSH ratio (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.09 (1.02-1.16), P = 0.02) and LH-FSH had predictive association with hyperandrogenemia (OR (95% CI): 1.15 (1.03-1.28), P = 0.02) in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Serum LH-FSH ratio and androgenemia significantly correlate in women with PCOS. However, manifestations are more frequent with hyperandrogenemia rather than altered LH-FSH ratio.

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Background and objectives: Metformin improves manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by reducing insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to determine how metformin, in combination with lifestyle changes, affects the clinical manifestations of PCOS. Materials and Methods: Patients with PCOS attending the outpatient of a tertiary care hospital were enrolled in the study. Revised Rotterdam Consensus 2003 criteria were used to diagnose cases of PCOS. Clinical information, anthropometric measurement, serum progesterone and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) of each subject were recorded in a prescribed data sheet at baseline and after a period of nine months. Randomized placebo controlled double blind design was used to assign participants in respective groups. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 9-month course of either metformin (1500 mg/day) or placebo. Both groups were advised regarding schedule of lifestyle modification. Outcome variables were clinical manifestations related to metabolic, reproductive and androgenic status of PCOS. Results: Out of 80 enrolled PCOS cases, 49 completed the study (metformin=26, placebo=23). The mean age of the study participants of metformin and placebo groups was 23.52±5.18 and 22.09±3.58 years respectively (p=0.262). Menstrual cycle significantly improved in both the study groups (before vs. after - metformin: 19.2% vs. 76.9%, p=0.003; placebo: 19.2% vs. 47.8%, p=0.02) after 9 months, but compared to placebo group no such significant (p=0.12) improvement occurred in metformin group. Severity of hirsutism, presence of acne, serum progesterone level and ovulatory status improved significantly in both groups after completion of the study. Except acanthosis nigricans, other metabolic manifestations did not significantly improve in metformin compared to placebo group after the intervention. While comparing the percentage changes, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) reduced significantly in metformin than placebo group (BMI in kg/m2- metformin vs. placebo: -3.63±8.22 vs. +1.42±6.67, p= 0.024; WC in cm - 2.81±7.74 vs. +1.68±7.89, p= 0.05). No significant adverse event was observed in metformin group. Conclusion: Metformin, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, has favorable impacts on clinical manifestations of PCOS. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2021; 15(2): 1-12

Precocious puberty is commonly defined as puberty that starts before age 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. The causes of it may range from a variant of normal development to various pathologic conditions. The etiology of precocious puberty is classified by the underlying pathogenesis into gonadotropin dependent central precocious puberty and peripheral precocious puberty which is independent of gonadotropin but due to different other causes. Variants of precocious puberty include premature thelarche, premature puberche and isolated premature menarche which imply onset of isolated changes without any other signs of sexual development. Precocious puberty might have an impact on final stature owing to premature epiphyseal fusion and also it has got influence on psychosocial wellbeing. Evaluation includes a detailed history, physical examination, biochemical testing and imaging directed towards suspected etiology. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues are effective for treatment of central precocious puberty. Treatment of peripheral precocious puberty should be based on the specific cause. Pubertal variants are usually non-progressive and need no treatment but should be monitored carefully. BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(1): 62-69