Dyslipidaemia is associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovaries.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Previous reports of lipid abnormalities in the syndrome have produced conflicting results which may, in part, be related to the lack of appropriate controls for the obese women with PCOS. Only one study has related lipid levels to insulin sensitivity.

Sex hormone-binding globulin and female reproductive function.

Although sex steroids have long been known to influence serum concentrations of SHBG, it is now recognized that nutritional factors may be more important in the regulation of SHBG in women. Thus, SHBG concentrations are negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and, more particularly, to indices of central adiposity. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, is associated with truncal obesity, hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinaemia.

The relationship of insulin insensitivity to menstrual pattern in women with hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries.

Objective: Insulin insensitivity is a recognized feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but previous studies have suggested that circulating insulin concentrations are normal in hyperandrogenaemic women with regular cycles. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between insulin sensitivity and menstrual pattern in women with PCO.

Design: A cross-sectional study of insulin sensitivity in a cohort of PCO subjects with oligomenorrhoea compared to women with PCO and regular menstrual cycles and a group of normal control subjects.