The relation between obesity and testosterone-estradiol binding globulin levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO)

Serum testosterone-estradiol binding globulin levels (TEBG), total and free testosterone levels, were evaluated in 36 patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO), and nine volunteers with normal cycles. TEBG concentration was markedly reduced in all PCO patients in comparison to the controls. However, the difference between the means was statistically significant for the obese PCO patients only. The serum free testosterone levels were elevated in all PCO patients, although the total testosterone levels were normal in 42.8% of obese and 13.3% of nonobese patients. It is suggested that obesity is a factor in causing reduction of TEBG levels. Also, it might be a contributory factor in the etiology of PCO.