Ovary Problems and Insulin Sensitivity

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Raskauskiene D, Jones PW, Govind A, et al.: Do polycystic ovaries on ultrasound scan indicate decreased insulin sensitivity in sisters of PCOS women? J Clin Endocrinol Metab, January 5, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease. It affects 6% to 8% of women who are at the age where they can have children. Women with this type of ovary disease have trouble getting pregnant, often are overweight, have high blood lipids (fat in their blood), and have lower insulin sensitivity or other blood glucose problems. These problems can also lead to getting type 2 diabetes.

Sisters of women with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of obesity, insulin sensitivity, and PCOS.

Researchers wanted to see if there is a link between ovary problems and lower insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS and their sisters.

Who was studied?

Researchers studied 29 women (27 were white, 2 were Asian) being treated at infertility and endocrinology clinics. Each woman had PCOS and had at least one sister. Researchers also studied 51 sisters of these 29 women.

How was the study done?

The women were divided into three groups: women with PCOS, sisters with PCOS, and sisters without PCOS. Researchers measured body mass index (BMI, a measure of weight in relation to height) and the women's waist/hip ratio and made several blood tests.

What did the researchers find?

PCOS is linked to lower insulin sensitivity. Both are inherited. Sisters with ovarian problems are more likely to have lower insulin sensitivity than sisters with normal ovaries. But a woman who has a sister with PCOS doesn't necessarily have a greater risk of low insulin sensitivity. Being overweight plays a role, too.

What were the limitations of the study?

Many of the women were taking medicine to help them get pregnant. This might have affected the results.

What are the implications of the study?

PCOS and lower insulin sensitivity are problems women are born with. But they do not necessary go together. An overweight or obese woman can develop insulin resistance whether or not she has PCOS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Govind A, Obhrai MS, Clayton RN: Polycystic ovaries are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait: Analysis of 29 polycystic ovary syndrome and 10 control families. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 84:38-43, 1999.

Yildiz BO, Yarali H, Oguz H, et al.: Glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia in first degree relatives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 88:2031-2036, 2003.

Cenk Sayin N, Gucer F, Balkanli-Kaplan P, et al.: Insulin resistance and lipid profile in women with polycystic appearing ovaries: Implications with regard to polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 17:387-396, 2003.