Endocrine consequences of weight loss in obese, hyperandrogenic, anovulatory women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether weight loss in obese, hyperandrogenic, anovulatory women is associated with resumption of ovulation and/or with changes in insulin, androgen, and gonadotropin concentrations.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled study.


METHODS
University research center.


METHODS
Twelve obese, hyperandrogenic, anovulatory women.


METHODS
Twelve-week weight loss program in treatment (n = 6); 12-week "waiting list" in control group (n = 6).


METHODS
[1] Ovulation; [2] fasting insulin and glucose measurements; [3] sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total and non-SHBG T concentrations; [4] LH pulse frequency, amplitude, and concentration; and [5] FSH concentration.


RESULTS
In contrast with the control group who showed no change in weight, ovulation status, or hormone levels, women in the treatment group lost an average of 16.2 kg and showed a significant increase in SHBG, a significant decline in non-SHBG T, and a decline (though nonsignificant) in fasting insulin. Four of six subjects resumed ovulation. However, no changes were evident in LH pulse frequency or amplitude or in mean LH and FSH concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss in obese, hyperandrogenic, anovulatory women appears to reduce insulin and non-SHBG T concentrations despite the absence of a change in gonadotropin secretion and may lead to resumption of ovulation.
Guzick
D S
DS
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Wing
R
R
Smith
D
D
Berga
S L
SL
Winters
S J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D000858:Anovulation; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D010060:Ovulation; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D015431:Weight Loss
D000728:Androgens; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone