Elevated body fat percentage as a predictor of irregular ovulation and menstruation

Abstract

Introduction: Excess body fat has been implicated in mediating irregular ovulation and menstruation. The aim of the current work was to study the potential impact of body fat percentage on the serum level of kisspeptin hormone and on the size of the ova, at day 11 of the menstrual cycle in females. Patients and Methods: The study was performed on 80 females, distributed into 3 groups. Group I (control): 20 females with regular menstrual cycles; Group II: 30 females with BMI < 30, with irregular menstrual cycles and Group III: 30 females with BMI ≥30 with irregular menstrual cycles. Females were subjected to detailed history taking, examination and investigations. A food frequency questionnaire was filled. Results: In patients having irregular menstruation (Group II and III), body fat percentage was elevated compared to the control group. They also had more abdominal adiposity. Their mean serum Kisspeptin level as well as the mean size of their ovarian follicles on day 11 were significantly lower compared to group I . Group II and III patients also had a significantly high intake of carbohydrates and a significantly lower intake of vegetables and fruits, compared to group I females. Conclusion: High body fat percentage more than 32 % might contribute to irregular ovulation via decreasing kisspeptin secretion and consequently reducing the size of ovarian follicle at day 11 of the menstrual cycle.