PERIPHERAL CATECHOLAMINE METABOLITES AND MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITY IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIES

Objective- To investigate the catecholamine status of patients with po lycystic ovary syndrome. Design-Three parallel groups with polycystic ovary were diagnosed by ultrasound: (a) 5 patients with regularly ovul atory menstruation; (b) 10 with anovulatory menstruation; (c) 13 with secondary amenorrhea who responded to progestagen with withdrawal blee ding. Blood samples for measurement of LH, testosterone, and catechola mine metabolites were drawn during cycle days 4-7. Results-(1) Serum L H and testosterone of the patient groups (b) and (c) were significantl y higher than those of controls. (2) Plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DOPEG) and the DOPEG/DOPAC ratio were elevated in patients, and DOPAC levels were reduced. However, there was no significant difference of catecholamine metabolites among the three patient groups. Conclusions- The androgen status in polycystic ovary diagnosed by ultrasound is cor related, but catecholamine status is not correlated, with the menstrua l irregularity of polycystic ovary syndrome.