Autonomic dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To assess the autonomic system in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods: Thirty-seven adult patients with PCOS and 33 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The electrophysiological assessments of the autonomic nervous system function were performed using sympathetic skin response and R-R interval variation tests.

Results: The mean latency of sympathetic skin response in PCOS patients was significantly delayed compared with the controls (p = 0.001). The mean amplitude of sympathetic skin response was significantly lower in comparison with the controls (p = 0.01). Mean R-R interval variation during deep breathing was also significantly delayed (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: There are parasympathetic dysfunction and sympathetic dysfunction in patients with PCOS. This may be easily demonstrated with sympathetic skin response and R-R interval variation tests.

Keywords: R–R interval variation; autonomic dysfunction; polycystic ovary syndrome; sympathetic skin response.