Insulin Resistance in an Underweight Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case Study

    December 2024 in “ American Journal of Case Reports ”
    Besa Gacaferri Lumezi, Violeta Lokaj‐Berisha
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    TLDR Underweight women with PCOS can have insulin resistance, and treatment with metformin and dexamethasone can improve symptoms.
    This case study discusses a 24-year-old underweight woman with a BMI of 15.9 kg/m² who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. Despite her underweight status, she exhibited hyperandrogenic signs such as hirsutism and acne, along with irregular menstrual cycles. Hormonal tests confirmed elevated levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-OH progesterone, while other conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and thyroid disorders were ruled out. The primary treatment focused on insulin resistance using metformin and dexamethasone, leading to significant improvements in her symptoms after 6 months. The study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing PCOS in patients who are not overweight.
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