The insulin-resistant phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the individual parameters included in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their impact on insulin sensitivity.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.


METHODS
Sixty-one women; 36 women with PCOS and 25 age- and weight-matched control women were investigated.


METHODS
Peripheral insulin sensitivity was evaluated by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, glucose tolerance by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and ovarian morphology by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS).


METHODS
The Rotterdam criteria were used for diagnosing PCOS, and hirsutism was evaluated by the Ferriman Gallwey score. Insulin sensitivity was calculated as the insulin sensitivity index, and whole body insulin sensitivity was assessed by the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (IR) index.


RESULTS
Multiple regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) and hirsutism were independent predictors of IR evaluated by insulin sensitivity index, whereas BMI, total T, and hirsutism were independent predictors of IR evaluated by the homeostatic model assessment IR index. We found no significant association between ovarian morphology and insulin sensitivity or between menstrual frequency and insulin sensitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCOS is associated with IR. Body mass index, hyperandrogenemia, and hyperandrogenism are independent predictors of low insulin sensitivity.
Svendsen
Pernille Fog
PF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. pernille.svendsen@hvh.regionh.dk
Madsbad
Sten
S
Nilas
Lisbeth
L
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015309:Glucose Clamp Technique; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013851:Thinness / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism