Influence of sociocultural factors on the ovulatory status of polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of social and cultural differences inside the same ethnic group on the ovulatory status of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
To correlate social and cultural status with the phenotypic expression (body weight and ovulation) and with androgen and insulin levels of PCOS.


METHODS
University department of medicine.


METHODS
Two hundred and forty-four consecutive PCOS women.


METHODS
All studied patients completed a simple questionnaire to indicate their mean family income and their school education.


METHODS
Ovulation was assessed by measurement of serum progesterone on day 22 of a spontaneous or induced menstrual cycle. Levels of blood testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, and blood glucose were evaluated.


RESULTS
In the low to medium income group, 21% of patients had ovulatory PCOS, but the prevalence of the same PCOS phenotype was 43% in patients with high income. In patients with low education, only 12% presented with ovulatory PCOS compared with 47% of the patients with high education status. Mean family income negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, insulin, and insulin resistance. Serum progesterone correlated negatively with insulin and insulin resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
In an ethnically homogeneous PCOS population, high socioeconomic status was associated with a higher prevalence of the ovulatory phenotype. Differences in ovulatory status between the social classes seem to be related to differences in insulin levels and fat quantity and distribution.
Di Fede
Gaetana
G
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Mansueto
Pasquale
P
Longo
Rosa Alba
RA
Rini
GiovamBattista
G
Carmina
Enrico
E
D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D010060:Ovulation; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D011374:Progesterone