LIPOPROTEIN LIPIDS IN ANDROGEN EXCESS - A STUDY AMONG INDIAN WOMEN

Objective-To assess changes in Lipoprotein-Lipid profile vis-a-vis put ative risk of atherosclerotic diseases, among a group of hyperandrogen ic women. Subjects and Methods-Women studied were among those being sc reened for polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) at the Reproductive Endoc rinology Clinic of the institute. They all had oligomenorrhea/chronic anovulation as their problem and had clinical or laboratory evidence o f hyperandrogenism, viz., hirsutism or elevated serum testosterone lev els. Lipoprotein-lipid profiles obtained in 51 such women were compare d with those of 11 controls with normal menstrual cycles and no eviden ce of hyperandrogenism. Results-No significant changes were observed i n any of the lipoprotein-lipid variables which could be attributed to hyperandrogenism per se. However, a combined effect of obesity and rai sed circulating androgens in causing a significant change in the lipop rotein-lipid profile (increased cholesterol, LDL-C/HDL-C, and choleste rol/HDL-C) was clearly discernible from the study. Conclusions-Hyperan drogenism by itself may not signal a risk for atherosclerotic diseases . However, the potential of such risk would be significantly enhanced if obesity is associated with high circulating levels of androgens.