INSULIN-SECRETION IN OBESE AND NONOBESE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HYPERANDROGENISM

Insulin resistance has been reported to be associated with hyperandrog enism and polycystic ovaries. To study the prevalence of insulin resis tance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) and the correla tion between hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism, 48 patients were d ivined into four groups: group 1, non-obese ovulatory women (n = 10); group 2, obese ovulatory women (n = 9); group 3, Mon-obese women with PCO (n 14); group 4, obese women with PCO (n = 15). Each patient was s ubmitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Glucose, insulin, a ndrostenedione and testosterone levels were determined and the blood g lucose and insulin response of women with PCO and normal women were co mpared. Glucose intolerance was observed in group 3 (28.6%) and group 4 (40%) but Mot in groups 1 or 2, and hyperinsulinemia was observed in group 2 (66.7%), group 3 (64.3%) and group 4 (86.6%). There was a cor relation between androstenedione and testosterone levels and insulinem ia in group 4. There was also a high prevalence of insulin resistance inpatients with PCO regardless of obesity, and hyperandrogenism-aggrav ated insulin resistance.