The Pivotal Influence of Obesity on Body Composition and Ovarian Doppler in Different Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Phenotypes

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of obesity on body composition and ovarian Doppler parameters in females with different polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes, and find the correlations between these parameters and PCOS clinical criteria.

Design: Observational cross-sectional study.

Methods: One hundred PCOS females participated in this study. We assessed the chronic anovulation (O), the hyperandrogenism (H), and polycystic ovaries (P) to classify the presence of PCOS phenotyping using the Rotterdam criteria into four types. They were classified according to their body mass index (BMI) into three groups. The normal weight group had BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m² (n = 21); the overweight group had BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m² (n = 39); the obese group had BMI of more than or equal to 30 kg/m² (n = 40). Body composition parameters were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), while ovarian Doppler parameters were evaluated by colour Doppler ultrasound for all females in the three groups.

Results: Obese PCOS females had significantly higher waist-hip ratio (WHR), total and regional fat mass, total and trunk lean mass, ovarian volume and blood flow velocities at both ovarian arteries than both normal weight and overweight PCOS females. The WHR was positively correlated to total fat and lean masses, as well as ovarian volume and blood flow velocities (P<0.05). The phenotype III and IV had significantly higher android & gynoid fat masses, total lean mass, also higher ovarian volume, PSV & EDV and significantly lower RI (P<0.05) comparing to type I and II.

Conclusion: Obesity has a pivotal role in body composition distribution and ovarian Doppler parameters in different PCOS phenotypes.