Lipoprotein lipids in androgen excess--a study among Indian women

To assess changes in lipoprotein-lipid profile vis-a-vis putative risk of atherosclerotic diseases, among a group of hyperandrogenic women.

Women studied were among those being screened for polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) at the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic of the institute. They all had oligomenorrhea/chronic anovulation as their problem and had clinical or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism, viz., hirsutism or elevated serum testosterone levels. Lipoprotein-lipid profiles obtained in 51 such women were compared with those of 11 controls with normal menstrual cycles and no evidence of hyperandrogenism.

No significant changes were observed in any of the lipoprotein-lipid variables which could be attributed to hyperandrogenism per se. However, a combined effect of obesity and raised circulating androgens in causing a significant change in the lipoprotein-lipid profile (increased cholesterol, LDL-C/HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C) was clearly discernible from the study.

Hyperandrogenism by itself may not signal a risk for atherosclerotic diseases. However, the potential of such risk would be significantly enhanced if obesity is associated with high circulating levels of androgens.