TLDR PCOS patients have more central body fat, which can be effectively measured using DEXA.
The study assessed body fat distribution in PCOS patients using DEXA scans, involving 86 PCOS cases and 90 healthy controls. Significant differences were found in trunk fat percentage, android fat percentage, total fat percentage, fat mass index, android/gynoid ratio, and trunk/limb fat mass ratio, all with p-values < 0.001. PCOS patients exhibited higher trunk fat mass (58.5% vs. 49.3% of total fat mass; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed significant relationships between trunk fat mass and other fat indices. The study concludes that DEXA-based fat indices are useful predictors of PCOS and should be considered in their diagnostic workup and follow-up.
4809 citations
,
January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
4 citations
,
March 2021 in “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” Women with PCOS have higher body fat and skinfold thickness, especially in the H-O-POM phenotype.
4 citations
,
June 2021 in “Applied Sciences” Women with PCOS have higher body fat and worse insulin resistance and lipid profiles.
2 citations
,
July 2025 in “Journal of Ovarian Research” Going to bed late may increase hormones and decrease muscle in women with PCOS.
25 citations
,
December 2017 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Birth control pills combined with bicalutamide are more effective at reducing excessive hair growth in women with PCOS than birth control pills alone.
28 citations
,
May 2013 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire and function in postmenopausal women but should be used cautiously and not based solely on testosterone levels.
