Defining constant versus variable phenotypic features of women with polycystic ovary syndrome using different ethnic groups and populations.
BACKGROUND
The phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is variable, depending on the ethnic background.


OBJECTIVE
The phenotypes of women with PCOS in Iceland and Boston were compared.


METHODS
The study was observational with a parallel design.


METHODS
Subjects were studied in an outpatient setting.


METHODS
Women, aged 18-45 yr, with PCOS defined by hyperandrogenism and fewer than nine menses per year, were examined in Iceland (n = 105) and Boston (n = 262).


METHODS
PCOS subjects underwent a physical exam, fasting blood samples for androgens, gonadotropins, metabolic parameters, and a transvaginal ultrasound.


METHODS
The phenotype of women with PCOS was compared between Caucasian women in Iceland and Boston and among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian women in Boston.


RESULTS
Androstenedione (4.0 +/- 1.3 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.2 ng/ml; P < 0.01) was higher and testosterone (54.0 +/- 25.7 vs. 66.2 +/- 35.6 ng/dl; P < 0.01), LH (23.1 +/- 15.8 vs. 27.6 +/- 16.2 IU/liter; P < 0.05), and Ferriman Gallwey score were lower (7.1 +/- 6.0 vs. 15.4 +/- 8.5; P < 0.001) in Caucasian Icelandic compared with Boston women with PCOS. There were no differences in fasting blood glucose, insulin, or homeostasis model assessment in body mass index-matched Caucasian subjects from Iceland or Boston or in different ethnic groups in Boston. Polycystic ovary morphology was demonstrated in 93-100% of women with PCOS in all ethnic groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The data demonstrate differences in the reproductive features of PCOS without differences in glucose and insulin in body mass index-matched populations. These studies also suggest that measuring androstenedione is important for the documentation of hyperandrogenism in Icelandic women. Finally, polycystic ovary morphology by ultrasound is an almost universal finding in women with PCOS as defined by hyperandrogenism and irregular menses.
Welt
C K
CK
Reproductive Endocrine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. cwelt@partners.org
Arason
G
G
Gudmundsson
J A
JA
Adams
J
J
Palsdóttir
H
H
Gudlaugsdóttir
G
G
Ingadóttir
G
G
Crowley
W F
WF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001900:Boston / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000097:blood; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010641:Phenotype; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D011153:Population; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D007328:Insulin