Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: To compare metabolic characteristics of women with different phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on Rotterdam criteria.

Materials and methods: One thousand one hundred women with PCOS, aged 17–40, were recruited. The patients were divided into four subgroups according to the phenotype of PCOS defined by Rotterdam criteria: (A): oligo- and/or anovulation (Oligo), hyperandrogenism (HA), polycystic ovaries (PCO); (B): oligo+ HA; (C): HA+ PCO, (D): oligo+ PCO. Anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters were assessed in subjects from each group. Blood samples were collected for the quantification of biochemical parameters using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods or colorimetry.

Results: In groups with HA worse metabolic profile was observed compared to group without HA. Compared lipid profile, statistically significant differences in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentration were observed between group A and D; patients without HA were characterized by the lowest triglycerides concentration. There were statistically significant differences in glucose levels and insulin resistance parameters between groups with HA compared to group D. Groups with HA were characterized by significantly higher body mass index (BMI). No statistically significant differences in fibrinogen level between groups were observed.

Conclusions: Women with PCOS and HA have unfavorable metabolic profile compared to women without HA. Metabolic parameters of phenotypes A, B and C are similar. HA is accompanied by higher BMI, worse lipid profile, higher glucose levels and insulin resistance parameters and therefore associated with higher risk of future metabolic disorders.