Bane mineral density and body composition in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To examine bone mineral density (BMD) and fat distribution in le an women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with matched contro l women. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: An academic clinical research center. Patient(s): Twelve non-Hispanic white women with PCOS and a body mass index of <26 and 10 healthy control women matched for age, ethnicity, and weight . Intervention(s): Biometric measures, blood sample collection, and total bod y/regional bone density and fat analysis were performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum levels of androgens, glucose, and insulin we re measured. Bone density and fat distribution were measured by total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Result(s): Androgen levels were elevated significantly in the lean women wi th PCOS compared with the controls. There was no statistically significant difference in total body BMD between the two groups. A significant increase in BMD was noted in the left arm, right arm, and left ribs of the lean PCO S group. Evaluation of upper body BMD showed a significant correlation betw een testosterone levels and BMD. No statistically significant differences w ere noted in body fat distribution, although the lean PCOS group tended to have lower mean percentages of body fat. Conclusion(s): Lean women with PCOS have regional differences in BMD, with significantly increased BMD in the upper skeleton compared with control wom en. (Fertil Steril(R) 1999;72:21-5. (C)1999 by American Society for Reprodu ctive Medicine.).