Hyperinsulinemia is common in family members of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>To determine whether disorders of insulin secretion are common in male and female family members of subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).<h4>Design</h4>Family study of siblings and parents of PCOS subjects (five families). All proband cases met the criteria of polycystic ovaries (PCO) by ultrasound (US) and hyperandrogenism.<h4>Setting</h4>University Reproductive Medicine Unit.<h4>Patient(s)</h4>Family members of PCOS subjects.<h4>Intervention(s)</h4>Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), insulin, and lipids were measured. Clinical examination including assessment of premature baldness in men and US of ovaries in female members.<h4>Main outcome measure(s)</h4>Insulin, lipids, and clinical parameters.<h4>Result(s)</h4>Hyperinsulinemia (69%) and hypertriglyceridemia (56%) was common in family members as were PCO in 79% of 24 females and premature baldness in men in 88% of eight subjects.<h4>Conclusion(s)</h4>Hyperinsulinemia is a potential metabolic and genetic marker for subjects who may be carriers of a familial tendency for PCO.