Defining ConstantVersusVariable Phenotypic Features of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using Different Ethnic Groups and Populations

Abstract

The data demonstrate differences in the reproductive features of PCOS without differences in glucose and insulin in body mass index-matched populations. These studies also suggest that measuring androstenedione is important for the documentation of hyperandrogenism in Icelandic women. Finally, polycystic ovary morphology by ultrasound is an almost universal finding in women with PCOS as defined by hyperandrogenism and irregular menses.

Cigarette smoking, nicotine levels and increased risk for metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Subjects were a subset of those who had participated in a previous study [12]. There were fewer subjects who smoked in the control group, making the control group slightly smaller.…”

“…There were fewer subjects who smoked in the control group, making the control group slightly smaller. Subjects with PCOS (smokers: n = 47; passive smokers: n = 8; non-smokers: n = 64) had oligomenorrhea (<9 menstrual periods/yr) and clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, fulfilling the NIH criteria [12,13]. Clinical hyperandrogenism was defined by: 1) an elevated Ferriman–Gallwey score >9 or 2) acne on the face or back.…”

“…Clinical hyperandrogenism was defined by: 1) an elevated Ferriman–Gallwey score >9 or 2) acne on the face or back. Biochemical hyperandrogenism was defined as testosterone >63 ng/dL (2.2 nmol/L), DHEAS >430 µg/dL (11.6 µmol/L) or androstenedione levels >3.8 ng/dL (13.3 nmol/L) [12]. Control subjects (smokers: n = 30; passive smokers: n = 4; non-smokers: n = 28) had regular menstrual cycles, 21 to 35 days, and no clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism.…”

“…Control subjects (smokers: n = 30; passive smokers: n = 4; non-smokers: n = 28) had regular menstrual cycles, 21 to 35 days, and no clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. All subjects had normal thyroid function and prolactin levels, a follicular phase FSH level in the premenopausal range, and subjects with late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia were excluded as previously described [12]. Subjects were on no hormonal medication except for stable thyroid hormone replacement.…”

“…Study procedures were described previously [12]. Subjects underwent a detailed history; physical exam including measurement of waist circumference at the umbilicus and hip circumference at the widest diameter; a pelvic ultrasound (ATL HDI 1500, 5MHz convex array transducer); and fasting blood samples for lipid, glucose, insulin, gonadotropin, sex-steroid, cotinine and nicotine levels were measured.…”