Obesity differentially affects serum levels of androstenedione and testosterone in polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveTo assess androstenedione (A) and T levels in obese and nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after GnRH and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT).DesignCross sectional study.SettingClinical research center.Patient(s)Thirty patients with PCOS, of whom 15 were obese and 15 were nonobese, and 7 women without PCOS were included in the study.Intervention(s)The GnRH test and OGTT were performed in all subjects.Main Outcome Measure(s)Basal and stimulated levels of LH, FSH, insulin, A, and total T were measured. Areas under the curve (AUCs) and AUC change after stimulation for these hormones were calculated.Result(s)The basal T levels were significantly higher in obese than in nonobese patients with PCOS. In contrast, the basal levels of A were similar in obese and nonobese patients with PCOS. The TAUC after GnRH was significantly greater in obese than in nonobese patients with PCOS but was not significantly different after OGTT. The AAUC after GnRH and OGTT was significantly greater in nonobese than in obese patients with PCOS. However, there were no significant differences in TAUC and AAUC changes after GnRH and OGTT.Conclusion(s)A different pattern in the levels of T and A with respect to obesity in PCOS was observed, suggesting a shift in ovarian enzymatic function.