Association of free testosterone, glucose level and obesity among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Soran city, Kurdistan-Iraq

Abstract

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting approximately 5–10% of women of reproductive age and it is also a major cause of anovulatory infertility. PCOS is associated with obesity and conditions like hirsutism, acne, diabetes, and irregular periods.

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the serum-free testosterone (FT) levels of women afflicted with hirsutism, one of the main physical manifestations of PCOS versus healthy women and determine whether their serum testosterone levels correlate with polycystic ovaries, glucose levels, menstrual abnormalities, and obesity.

Methods

This study assessed 180 women; this included 140 females who suffered from excessive and unwanted hair growth on the chin and 40 healthy women as a control group. Free testosterone levels and fasting blood glucose levels were taken. Prior to the study, ultrasonographic (US) tests were performed for all patients to diagnose polycystic ovaries.

Results

Patients with hirsutism exhibited a significant elevation in free testosterone (FT) compared to the control group. Approximately half of these women were confirmed to have a polycystic ovary, and 42.8% of them were overweight and obese. Additionally, women between 18 and 20 years old (G1) present with the highest level of FT.

Conclusion

Serum FT levels were significantly increased in hirsute women, and this positively correlated with BMI and glucose levels in women with PCOS. Glucose levels may serve as a potentially effective biomarker in evaluating the severity of hirsutism in women suspected of having PCOS.