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Ovarian morphology and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics volume 284, pages 1443–1448 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the relationship between ovarian morphology, hormonal levels and anthropometrical characteristics in a group of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study included 82 patients with diagnosis of PCOS and 21 women with regular menstrual cycles without hyperandrogenism. They were submitted to endovaginal pelvic ultrasound. Anthropometric measures and hormonal levels of LH, FSH, insulin, total testosterone (T), free T, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were evaluated. The morphology of polycystic ovary (PCO) was considered when 12 or more follicles, less than 10 mm in diameter, in one or both ovaries, were observed. PCOS patients were divided into two groups: with PCO (n = 51) and without PCO (n = 31).

Results

In 51 out of 82 (62%) patients with PCOS, an image of PCO was observed. PCOS Patients with PCO showed a significantly greater body mass index and hip perimeter than PCOS patients without PCO. Higher levels of total T and free T were found in PCOS patients with PCO compared to those without PCO.

Conclusion

PCOS patients with PCO on ultrasound present greater hyperandrogenism and obesity than PCOS patients without PCO. The presence of PCO appears to indicate a major clinical alteration of PCOS.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Jaime Rodriguez and Maria G. Torres for their technical help and dedication to this study. This study was supported in part by the following research grants: 38371-M from CONACYT, and 2006/1A/I/019 from IMSS, Mexico.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. General Direction of Medical Unit of High Specialty in Gynecology and Obstetrics Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico

    Gilberto Tena

  2. Direction of Health Research and Training, Medical Unit of High Specialty in Gynecology and Obstetrics Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico

    Carlos Moran & Rocio Romero

  3. Health Research Council, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico

    Carlos Moran & Segundo Moran

  4. 1017 55th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35222, USA

    Carlos Moran

Authors
  1. Gilberto Tena
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  2. Carlos Moran
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  3. Rocio Romero
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  4. Segundo Moran
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlos Moran.

Additional information

G. Tena and C. Moran contributed equally to this manuscript.

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Tena, G., Moran, C., Romero, R. et al. Ovarian morphology and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome. Arch Gynecol Obstet 284, 1443–1448 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1816-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1816-3

Keywords

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Hyperandrogenism
  • Ovarian morphology