Ovarian Morphology Is Associated With Insulin Resistance In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

May 2017 in “ Fertility Research and Practice ”

Sara Pittenger Reid, Chia-Ning Kao, Lauri A. Pasch, Kanade Shinkai, Marcelle I. Cedars, Heather G. Huddleston

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS insulin resistance ovarian volume Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance HOMA-IR fasting insulin levels metabolic risk fasting insulin

TLDR Larger ovarian size is linked to higher insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

In the 2017 study involving 313 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), researchers found a significant association between increased ovarian volume and markers of insulin resistance. Women with an ovarian volume greater than 10 cc had a 1.9 times higher odds of elevated Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and a 1.8 times higher odds of abnormal fasting insulin levels compared to those with smaller ovarian volumes. The number of follicles, however, did not show a significant correlation with metabolic parameters. The findings suggest that ovarian volume could be a useful indicator for assessing metabolic risk in PCOS patients, while follicle count may not be predictive of such risks.

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research Prevalence of Androgenic Alopecia in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Characterization of Associated Clinical and Biochemical Features

48 citations , April 2014 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Women with PCOS often have hair loss, which is linked to acne or excess body hair but not to worse hormone or metabolic issues.

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

221 citations , January 2014 in “Human Reproduction”

Adding anti-Müllerian hormone to PCOS criteria lowers the number of women diagnosed.

research Clinical and Endocrine Characteristics of the Main Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes

145 citations , November 2010 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Different types of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have varying severity, with Type I being the most severe and common.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

research Metabolic Features of the Reproductive Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

286 citations , January 2009 in “Human Reproduction Update”

Women with the NIH type of PCOS have more obesity and higher risk of diabetes and heart disease than those with other types of PCOS.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

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633 citations , September 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

PCOS affects a similar percentage of Black and White women in the Southeastern United States.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

1947 citations , September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine”

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.