Hyperinsulinemia is common in family members of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether disorders of insulin secretion are common in male and female family members of subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Family study of siblings and parents of PCOS subjects (five families). All proband cases met the criteria of polycystic ovaries (PCO) by ultrasound (US) and hyperandrogenism.


METHODS
University Reproductive Medicine Unit.


METHODS
Family members of PCOS subjects.


METHODS
Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), insulin, and lipids were measured. Clinical examination including assessment of premature baldness in men and US of ovaries in female members.


METHODS
Insulin, lipids, and clinical parameters.


RESULTS
Hyperinsulinemia (69%) and hypertriglyceridemia (56%) was common in family members as were PCO in 79% of 24 females and premature baldness in men in 88% of eight subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperinsulinemia is a potential metabolic and genetic marker for subjects who may be carriers of a familial tendency for PCO.
Norman
R J
RJ
Reproductive Medicine Unit, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia.
Masters
S
S
Hague
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000235:genetics; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000235:genetics*; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000235:genetics; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010375:Pedigree; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids