[Metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Aim of the present study is to determine the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and its distinct elements in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as well as the dependency of MS on various phenotypes of PCOS.

The study included 65 women diagnosed with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria. MS was diagnosed according the criteria of the American National Cholesterol Panel (ATP-III criteria). The following tests were made: IRI, total testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). The Free Androgen Index (FAI) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined.

Twenty-nine (44.6%) of the women had two of the elements of MS. The total group of women with PCOS was 65; 7 of these women (10.8%) had the MS criteria (3 out of 5). Five of these women had the combination of increased levels of triglycerides (TG), decreased HDL-C and waist circumference over 88 cm. The other 2 women had high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and increased levels of TG or decreased HDL-C. All but one woman with MS were overweight. All women had the typical picture of PCOS and belonged to phenotype A or B, an only one woman belonged to phenotype D.

The Metabolic Syndrome and its elements occur frequently in women with PCOS, particularly those with the classic picture of the syndrome. The latter combination places them at risk for cardiovascular diseases and screening for those disturbances is required.