Age and BMI-related changes in hormonal profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Association with infertility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate age- and body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters)-related changes in hormonal profile in women with PCOS and to compare hormonal changes among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with and without infertility.

METHODS

In this case-control study, conducted from March 2018 to January 2024, we enrolled women with PCOS with infertility (n = 265) and controls (n = 265) matched for age and BMI at the Department of Endocrinological Gynecology in University Hospital, Krakow, Poland. The assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) along with hormonal profile including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), androgens (testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone [17-OHP], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S]) as well as sex-hormone binding globulin was performed among these women, after assignment to different age BMI groups.

RESULTS

Women with POCS and infertility showed higher AMH (+42.9%), E2 (+15.9%) and LH (+41.9%) along with increased androgen levels reflected by increased testosterone (+20%), DHEA-S (+28.7%) and lower FSH (-10.3%) in contrary to women without infertility. Younger women (≤25 years) showed higher AMH, LH and androgens levels (total testosterone and DHEA-S) with lower FSH concentration. Women with higher BMI (≥30) had lower AMH together with increased free androgen index (FAI) and decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

CONCLUSION

Infertile women with PCOS represent higher AMH together with elevated total testosterone, DHEA-S and FAI levels in contrary to fertile ones. Higher BMI together with older age have a negative impact on AMH in women with PCOS.