The Fluctuation in the Heart Rate Variability Throughout Ovulation Induction Cycle: Is the Case Different in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Abstract

Objective: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have an increased level of sympathetic nerve activity, which was identified by Heart Rate Variability (HRV). PCOS is a state of ovulatory dysfunction in which there may also develop an abnormal ovary response to gonadotropins. We aimed to compare the changes in the HRV of ovulatory women with PCOS and normoovulatory infertile women throughout their ovulation induction cycles. Methods:We included 38 infertile women in the study, 18 of them oligo/amenorrheic with PCOS and 20 eumenorrheic, who formed the control group. Using power spectral analysis, the HRV indices of the patients were examined in three phases of the ovulation induction cycle with gonadotropins. Results:The HRV indices on the menstrual and mid-luteal period were lower in the PCOS group compared to control group. In the PCOS group, the fluctuation was not observed in the HRV indices throughout the ovulation induction cycle. In the control group, the HRV indices were lower on the mid-luteal period and peri-ovulatory period compared to menstrual period. Conclusion:In anovulatory women with PCOS, HRV fluctuation is different from the normovulatory women throughout the ovulation induction cycles. There might be a link between the disturbed ovulation processes in PCOS and the reduced intra-cycle HRV fluctuation.