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 examines the male equivalent of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by analyzing endocrine-metabolic dysregulation in fathers and brothers of women with PCOS. It includes 21 high-quality observational case-control studies. The findings reveal that male relatives of women with PCOS have higher fasting blood sugar levels, increased BMI, and elevated triglyceride and total cholesterol levels compared to controls. Fathers have a 1.52 kg/m² higher BMI, while brothers have a 1.08 kg/m² higher BMI. Although no significant differences in diabetes prevalence or insulin resistance were found, male relatives exhibit higher LDL-C and lower HDL-C levels. The study suggests that male relatives may share some metabolic and endocrine characteristics of PCOS, indicating potential genetic links and broader familial impacts.

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