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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2011; 119(8): 502-508
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277136
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: No Advantages for Identifying Women with Aggravated Insulin Resistance or Impaired Lipids

S. Cupisti1 , L. Haeberle1 , C. Schell1 , H. Richter1 , C. Schulze1 , T. Hildebrandt1 , P. G. Oppelt1 , M. W. Beckmann1 , R. Dittrich1 , A. Mueller1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 04.04.2011 first decision 17.02.2011

accepted 04.04.2011

Publication Date:
06 May 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Background: According to the classification of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) published by the Androgen Excess Society (AES), 10 different phenotypes of the condition are possible. The question remains of whether using these phenotypes might enable us to identify women with impaired insulin resistance or an impaired lipid profile among patients with PCOS.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort analysis was performed of 313 women with diagnosed PCOS and 80 control individuals. The screening panel included a physical examination, weight and height measurement, ultrasonography of the ovaries, and hormone, glucose, lipid, and insulin resistance measurements.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in insulin resistance parameters between the different phenotypes. There were no statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI) in any of the groups, but BMI showed the best correlation with insulin resistance in all women with PCOS and controls. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was inversely correlated with insulin resistance in women with PCOS and controls. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was negatively correlated with insulin resistance, and free testosterone was positively correlated with it, only in women with PCOS.

Conclusions: Using the different phenotypes described in the AES classification shows no advantages for identifying women with aggravated insulin resistance or impaired lipid profile among patients with PCOS.

Key words

PCOS - insulin resistance - lipid profile - androgen parameters

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Correspondence

A. MuellerMD 

Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology

Erlangen University Hospital

Universitaetsstraße 21– 23

D-91054 Erlangen

Germany

Phone: + 49/9131/8533 553

Fax: + 49/9131/8533 552

Email: andreas.mueller@uk-erlangen.de

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