Male Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Phenotype: A Meta-Analysis of Endocrine-Metabolic Dysregulation in Fathers and Brothers of PCOS-Affected Women

November 2025 in “ Basic and Clinical Andrology ”

Kyana Jafarabady, Ida Mohammadi, Shahryar Rajai Firouzabadi, Fateme Mohammadifard, Sana Mohammad Soltani, Amirreza Paksaz, Mahsa Noroozzadeh, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani, Kyana Jafarabady, Ida Mohammadi, Shahryar Rajai Firouzabadi, Fateme Mohammadifard, Sana Mohammad Soltani, Amirreza Paksaz, Mahsa Noroozzadeh, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani

androgenetic alopecia dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate LDL-cholesterol triglycerides fasting blood glucose body mass index hypertension DHEA-S bad cholesterol BMI high blood pressure

TLDR Male relatives of women with PCOS show similar health issues, suggesting a male version of the condition.

This meta-analysis of 21 studies investigates the endocrine and metabolic dysregulation in male first-degree relatives (fathers and brothers) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The findings reveal that these male relatives exhibit significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose, body mass index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate compared to controls. They also have a higher prevalence of hypertension, increased waist circumference, and androgenetic alopecia. These results suggest a "male equivalent" of PCOS, emphasizing the familial nature of the disorder and the need for improved diagnostic criteria and clinical awareness. Screening male relatives for metabolic and hormonal risk factors could aid in identifying at-risk individuals and guiding preventive measures.

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