ESPE Abstracts

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic abnormalities and increased insulin resistance (IR), which is closely associated with abdominal obesity and hyperandrogenism in adults. Some studies indicate that hyperandrogenism influences insulin resistance development in PCOS patients. Data on PCOS association with risks of metabolic disorders in adolescence are scars.

Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate androgen profiles and its association with IR in overweight/obese adolescent girls.

Methods: Study included 60 overweight (OW) (BMI >1.0 SDS) and obese (OB) (BMI >2.0 SDS) girls (mean age 15.4±1.3 years) at least 2 years post menarche. Mean BMI–SDS was 2.37±0.9 (58.7% were obese). BMI was evaluated according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria for children. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria.

Results: 31.1% of OW/OB girls were diagnosed with PCOS. BMI–SDS and waist circumference SDS in girls with PCOS were significantly lower compared to girls without PCOS (1.85±0.7 vs 2.55±0.9, P=0.005 and 0.85±0.6 vs 1.49±0.8, P=0.003 respectively). Testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were significantly higher in girls with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (mean 4.12±1.9 vs 2.52±1.3 nmol/l, P<0.001; 7.72±4.9 vs 5.12±4.3 IU/l, P=0.009; and 4.34±2.1 vs 3.36±2.0 IU/l, P=0.027 respectively). DHEAS and free androgen index (FAI) were also significantly higher in girls with PCOS (mean 8.18±2.9 vs 5.76±2.7 μmol/l, P<0.001 and 25.37±17.3 vs 13.34±8.0, P<0.001 respectively). Neither fasting insulin nor homeostasis assessment model index (HOMA-IR) were not significantly different in both groups. In both groups combined, androgen levels were not associated with neither fasting insulin nor HOMA-IR.

Conclusions: Every third OW/OB adolescent girl over 2 years post menarche has PCOS. OW/OB girls with PCOS were leaner and had lower waist circumference compared to girls without PCOS. OW/OB girls with PCOS were not more IR than girls without PCOS.