Fat Distribution Patterns and Hormone Levels among Lean and Overweight PCOS Patients

Objective: Association patterns between body composition, fat distribution and hormonal levels were examined in lean and obese women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: 10 lean and 10 overweight women aging between 18 and 30 years (x=24.7yrs Sd=3.3) suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome were enrolled in the present study. Weight status was classified according to the body mass index categories of the World Health Organization. Body composition was determined by DEXA measurements, fat distribution patterns were quantified by the fat distribution index. Serum levels of estradiol, LH, FSH, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, androstendione, SHBG, TSH, thyroxin, and growth hormone were determined. Additional hormone stimulation tests were performed.

Results: Lean and overweight PCO patients differed highly significantly in all body composition parameters and in fat distribution. Overweight PCOS patients exhibited a significantly higher amount of body fat, especially in the upper body region. Furthermore among overweight PCOS patients a centralized or android fat patterning prevails. The majority of lean PCOS patients exhibited an android or intermediate fat distribution; however 30% of the lean women showed a gynoid fat patterning. Overweight PCOS Patients showed significantly higher androgen levels than their lean counterparts. Body fat correlated significantly positively with thyroxin levels, but significantly negatively with growth hormone levels and SHBG levels. Testosterone correlated only insignificantly positively with the amount of body fat and android fat patterning.

Conclusion: Among lean as well as overweight PCOS patients a centralized fat patterning prevails. Hormonal levels are significantly associated with body composition parameters.