Association between Bone Mineral Density and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - A Case-control...

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has bidirectional effects on the skeleton due to hormonal dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR).

We examined bone mineral density (BMD) and its relationship with IR using the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) in patients with PCOS and matched controls.

In this case-control observational study, we included 74 patients newly diagnosed with PCOS and a similar number of age-and weight-matched healthy women as controls. Haematological, biochemical and hormonal parameters were measured in a fasting blood sample during the follicular phase, and the BMD Z score was calculated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The results were analysed using relevant statistical methods, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

The study participants ( n = 148) had a mean age of 23.6 ± 3.7 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 25.2 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 . Among the PCOS patients, 25 (34%) had a normal BMI and 49 (66%) were obese. The BMD at the femoral neck ( P = 0.4313) and lumbar spine ( P = 0.1410) was comparable between the PCOS and control groups. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of BMD with testosterone and 17-hydroxy progesterone (17OHP) ( P < 0.001). None of the BMD parameters correlated with HOMA in either group.

BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was similar between patients with PCOS and controls. Further studies with a larger sample size, longer follow-up periods and fracture data are needed to confirm our findings.