Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in PCOS-a Cross Sectional Study of Women With PCOS Compared With Controls Matched for Age, Body Mass Index and, or Insulin Resistance

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more often overweight or obese and are more insulin resistant than women without the condition and may be at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It is not know whether it is the overweight and insulin resistant component of PCOS, or PCOS per se which leads to the greater cardiovascular disease risk. The aim of this study was to examine cardiovascular risk markers in women with PCOS versus a control population matched for body mass index (BMI), and or, insulin resistance

Inclusion Criteria:

• Had a positive diagnosis of PCOS as defined according to the NIH criteria as chronic oligomenorrhoea (< 9 menstrual cycles per year) and clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, in the absence of other disorders causing the same phenotype. Clinical criteria included hirsutism with a Ferriman-Galwey score greater than 9, acne or male pattern alopecia; biochemical criteria included total-testosterone, androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) greater than the laboratory reference range.
• Were between the ages of 18 and 40

Exclusion Criteria:

• Were under 18 years or greater than 40 years old,
• Were non-Caucasian
• Were pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive
• Had a body mass index (BMI) <18kg/m2 or >50kg/m2
• Had a recent illness or any chronic illness likely to influence results
• Were taking hormonal contraception