Variations in serum ferritin levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and obesity. Recent evidence suggests that women with PCOS often exhibit elevated serum ferritin levels, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The aims of the current study were to determine the importance of ferritin levels in serum and to examine their associations with embryological outcomes in PCOS and non-PCOS women who were undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India, between April 2023 and June 2024. The study enrolled women who were undergoing ART treatment for infertility. In total, 90 subjects were categorized into PCOS (N = 40) and non-PCOS (N = 50) groups based on the Rotterdam criteria. Controlled ovarian stimulation was initiated on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. Serum ferritin levels were assessed prior to ovarian stimulation and correlated with patient demographics, endocrine profile, and embryological outcomes (antral follicle count (AFC), total number of oocytes, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, and transferable embryos).

RESULTS

High serum ferritin levels were found in 42.2 % of patients from the PCOS group and 57.8 % from the non-PCOS group. The median ferritin value obtained from the samples was 34.1 ng/mL. The mean serum ferritin levels were comparable in PCOS and non-PCOS patients. Non-significant and very weak positive correlations were observed between the serum ferritin levels and body mass index, anti-müllerian hormone level, luteinizing hormone level, AFC, fertilization rate, and transferable embryos on day 3.

CONCLUSION

Serum ferritin levels were not elevated in PCOS women undergoing infertility treatment and they only had a weak positive association with the developmental potential of embryos, suggesting serum ferritin has no significant association with embryological outcomes in women undergoing ART.