Do hyperandrogenic women with normal menses have polycystic ovary syndrome?

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among hyperandrogenic women who report normal menses.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Academic practice in reproductive endocrinology.

Patient(s): Fifty-eight consecutively seen new patients with hyperandrogenism who reported normal menses.

Intervention(s): Ovulatory status was assessed with timed serum progesterone measurements. The following tests also were carried out: vaginal ultrasound examination; measurement of the ovarian response of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) after the administration of leuprolide acetate, 1 mg SC; and determination of fasting serum LH, FSH, E2, 17-OHP, insulin, and androgen levels.

Main outcome measure(s): Determination of ovulatory status, polycystic appearance of ovaries, and increased response of 17-OHP to leuprolide acetate.

Result(s): Twelve (20.7%) of the hyperandrogenic women were anovulatory and met the usual criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS. The ovulatory patients had lower serum total and unbound testosterone levels. Thirty-one (53.4%) of the ovulatory women had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination and/or an increased 17-OHP response to leuprolide acetate, suggesting the diagnosis of PCOS despite the presence of ovulation. Considering both the anovulatory and ovulatory patients, 74% of the hyperandrogenic women studied could have PCOS.

Conclusion(s): The data suggest that most (74%) hyperandrogenic women who report normal menses have evidence for the diagnosis of PCOS.