Bone mineral density and body composition in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine bone mineral density (BMD) and fat distribution in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with matched control women.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
An academic clinical research center.


METHODS
Twelve non-Hispanic white women with PCOS and a body mass index of <26 and 10 healthy control women matched for age, ethnicity, and weight.


METHODS
Biometric measures, blood sample collection, and total body/regional bone density and fat analysis were performed.


METHODS
Serum levels of androgens, glucose, and insulin were measured. Bone density and fat distribution were measured by total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.


RESULTS
Androgen levels were elevated significantly in the lean women with PCOS compared with the controls. There was no statistically significant difference in total body BMD between the two groups. A significant increase in BMD was noted in the left arm, right arm, and left ribs of the lean PCOS group. Evaluation of upper body BMD showed a significant correlation between testosterone levels and BMD. No statistically significant differences were noted in body fat distribution, although the lean PCOS group tended to have lower mean percentages of body fat.


CONCLUSIONS
Lean women with PCOS have regional differences in BMD, with significantly increased BMD in the upper skeleton compared with control women.
Good
C
C
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Tulchinsky
M
M
Mauger
D
D
Demers
L M
LM
Legro
R S
RS
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*