OPTIMAL USE OF HORMONE DETERMINATIONS IN THE BIOCHEMICAL-DIAGNOSIS OFTHE POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME

Objective: To investigate, using logistic regression analysis and rece iver operator characteristic analysis, the biochemical diagnosis of po lycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and if it could be improved by using an array of hormone measurements chosen to yield optimal and cost-effect ive discrimination between women with PCOS and healthy women. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: Outpatient clinic of reproducti ve endocrinology at Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. Patients: Fifty-four oligomenorrheic women with PCOS diagnosed by ova rian ultrasonography, and 29 healthy regularly menstruating women with normal ovarian morphology. Main Outcome Measures: Concentrations of L H, FSH, androstenedione (A), T, and sex hormone-binding globulin in se rum. Results: Luteinizing hormone, FSH and A, when used in combination , were the hormonal analytes of highest clinical utility. Diagnostic s ensitivity, specificity, and overall concordance of 98%, 93%, and 96%, respectively, were attained. Each of the analytes used alone yielded lower degree of discrimination. Conclusions: Simultaneous use of the l evels of LH, FSH, and A in serum can be used effectively for classific ation between women with PCOS and healthy women.