Dyslipidemia in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Referred to a Teaching Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa
June 2024
in “
Journal of Neuroendocrinology
”
polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS dyslipidaemia triglycerides high-density lipoprotein cholesterol HDLC low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDLC LDL hypercholesterolaemia small LDL particles androgenic states obesity dysbetalipoproteinaemia familial hypercholesterolaemia high cholesterol low HDL high LDL high triglycerides high androgens
TLDR Many women with PCOS have abnormal cholesterol levels, needing careful management.
This study, conducted over 20 years at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, examined 1,721 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and found a significant association between PCOS and dyslipidaemia, characterized by increased triglycerides and altered LDL particle size, which may elevate cardiovascular risk. The cohort, predominantly of mixed ancestry and with a mean age of 26 years, showed that more than half were obese. The study highlights the prevalence of cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities, such as moderate hypercholesterolaemia in 37.9% of participants, and suggests that dyslipidaemia in PCOS is linked to metabolic and hormonal factors. It emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk, noting that conventional lipid profiles may not fully assess this risk and recommending additional tests for better risk prediction.
