A study of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome at tertiary care center

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age with prevalence of 6-10% which is characterized by hyper androgenic features and chronic oligo – anovulation and polycystic ovary morphology. Most women with polycystic ovary syndrome are also characterized by metabolic abnormalities like insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity, these forming risk factors for metabolic syndrome. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical, biochemical and hormonal profile of polycystic ovary syndrome patients with and without metabolic syndrome.Methods: A comparative cross- sectional study was undertaken on 79 PCOS women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria, in which the clinical data and hormonal profile of two groups of polycystic ovary syndrome women with and without metabolic syndrome was compared.Results: The mean age of 79 patients in this study group with and without metabolic syndrome was 26.17±3.18 and 25.57±3.41 years respectively. There were more patients from urban areas as compared to rural areas and maximum patients. Significantly higher number of PCOS women with metabolic syndrome had hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans than those without metabolic syndrome. Mean value of Waist circumference, systolic BP pressure, diastolic BP, S. Triglyceride and fasting glucose were higher and HDL levels were lower in women with metabolic syndrome than those without metabolic syndrome. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in PCOS women with metabolic syndrome in comparison to those without metabolic syndrome.Conclusion: PCOS is not only is the most frequent cause of anovulation, but it is also associated with characteristic metabolic disturbances that may have important implications for the long term health. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of endocrine disturbances, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension. It is associated with a two-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a five-fold increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This illustrates the importance of early detection of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome with subsequent application of preventive measures in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.