Variations in alanine aminotransferase levels within the normal range predict metabolic and androgenic phenotypes in women of reproductive age

In the 2010 study involving 200 women aged 18-48, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, it was found that variations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels within the normal range are linked to metabolic and androgenic phenotypes. ALT levels correlated positively with various metabolic and androgenic markers and inversely with factors indicating insulin sensitivity. These correlations were not dependent on obesity. An ALT level of ≥ 18 IU/L was significantly associated with PCOS. The study concluded that normal-range ALT levels could indicate metabolic and androgenic abnormalities in women of reproductive age and suggested that ALT could be used beyond liver disease diagnosis to identify women at risk for conditions like PCOS and insulin resistance.