The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 111 women aged between 18 and 39 years old diagnosed with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam Criteria, and grouped into four phenotypes: A: ovulatory dysfunction + hyperandrogenism + polycystic ovaries; B: ovulatory dysfunction + hyperandrogenism; C: hyperandrogenism + polycystic ovaries; D: ovulatory dysfunction + polycystic ovaries. To evaluate the presence of MetS, we measured serum triglyceride levels, HDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Results The prevalence of MetS found in this sample was 33.6%, and there was no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among the 4 phenotypes. However, phenotype D presented a significantly higher mean glucose level after fasting (93.6 mg/dL) and 2 hours after ingesting a solution with 75 g of anhydrous glucose (120 mg/dL), as well as the lowest mean level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (44.7 mg/dL). The women in this group demonstrated a high prevalence of abdominal circumference ≥ 80 cm (68.2%), as well as the highest mean abdominal circumference (90.1 cm). Amongst the women with an abdominal circumference ≥ 80 cm, phenotype A increased approximately six-fold the chance of developing metabolic syndrome in relation to phenotype C. Conclusion The four phenotypes of PCOS demonstrated similar prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome; abdominal obesity presented a relevant role in the development of metabolic alterations, regardless of the phenotype.

Prevalence of metabolic disturbances among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in different regions of Brazil

“…15,19 When taking into consideration glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of glucose intolerance among women with PCOS in Brazil varied from 7.2% to 28.1%, whereas the prevalence of diabetes varied from 2.0% to 4.1%, which was slightly higher in the southeastern part of the country. 16,[20][21][22] Environmental factors in the southeast, such as a more stressful lifestyle and a diet of processed foods, could partially explain these findings.…”

“…Four studies performed in women with PCOS in Brazil describing the prevalence of metabolic disorders were found. They were all carried out in tertiary centers: two of them in the northeast, 20,21 one in the southeast, 16 and the other one in the south of Brazil. 22 All studies used the Rotterdam consensus criteria for characterization of the PCOS population, and were also matched by age and BMI ( The northeast is predominantly populated by African Americans, has seafood-based eating habits, warmer weather, and less favored socioeconomic status; whereas the south has a mostly white population, has a meat-based diet, colder weather, and a more favored socioeconomic status.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, there are four studies in Brazil assessing the prevalence of some metabolic disturbances associated with the syndrome. 16,[20][21][22] These studies were carried out in different regions of the country, typified by striking differences, mainly in ethnic background, eating habits, climate, and socioeconomic status.…”

“…In addition, the prevalence of such metabolic features differs according to the various ethnic and cultural backgrounds of women with PCOS, 15,17–19 suggesting that genetic and environmental factors may also play an important role in the frequency of metabolic and cardiovascular risks. To the best of our knowledge, there are four studies in Brazil assessing the prevalence of some metabolic disturbances associated with the syndrome 16,20–22 . These studies were carried out in different regions of the country, typified by striking differences, mainly in ethnic background, eating habits, climate, and socioeconomic status.…”

The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Dermatological Manifestations

“…· Presence of hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea, and polycystic ovary · Hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea 1 1 · Oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovary · Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary [3] PCOS presents with a wide spectrum of common dermatological manifestations, such as hirsutism, acne, seborrheic dermatitis (SD or seborrhea), and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These conditions can present alone or alongside other features of virilization.…”