The significance of ovarian volume in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of ovarian volume in hyperandrogenemia and to investigate the relationship between the ovarian volume and hormone parameters in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESING: Fourty healthy women and 40 women with PCOS included the study. Blood sampling was performed in the early follicular phase (on the day 3 of the spontan or induced cycle) for measurement of the hormone levels in both PCOS and control women. The diagnosis of PCOS was based on NIH criteria. Body mass index (BMl) [weight (kg)/height2 (meter)] and ovarian volume (p16 D1*D2*D3) calculated for each patients. Mann Whitney U, Student t test and regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULT(s): Total ovarian volume was significiantly higher in PCOS (p<0.05). There was no differance between baseline FSH, LH, insulin, free testesterone and E2 levels of two groups (p>0.05). Total testesterone and DHEA-S levels were found statistically higher than that of control group in PCOS group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a positive relation between total ovarian volume and the severity of PCOS. Peripheral atretic follicles conribute to the increase of ovarian volume in PCOS. Increased androgen levels showed concordant changes between ovarian volume and hormonal changes in PCOS in compared to control group.