The role of family history in clinical symptoms and therapeutic outcomes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between family history and clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were thought to be inherited, by treating women with PCOS with contraceptive pills and metformin, and assessing outcomes.

Methods: Of 164 women with PCOS, 49 with menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism, and abnormal glucose and/or insulin levels underwent a 3-month treatment with contraceptive pills and metformin. Family history was taken, and physical and ultrasound examinations were performed. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, lipids, and reproductive hormones were measured before and after treatment.

Results: The serum levels of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides were higher in the patients with a family history of the studied symptoms than in those with no such family history. After treatment, changes in testosterone and glucose levels, glucose area under curve, and homeostasis model assessment value differed in the 2 groups.

Conclusion: The patients with a family history of PCOS symptoms thought to be inherited were more sensitive to oral contraceptive and metformin treatment.