Effects of androgen excess and body mass index on endothelial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Danielle E. Berbrier, Cheryl Leone, Tessa E. Adler, Jeffrey R. Bender, Hugh S. Taylor, Nina S. Stachenfeld, Charlotte W. Usselman
Abstract
We present evidence for marked endothelial dysfunction in lean women with androgen excess polycystic ovary syndrome (AE-PCOS) that is 1) associated with free testosterone levels, 2) impaired relative to overweight/obese women with AE-PCOS, and 3) unchanged following short-term ethinyl estradiol supplementation. These data indicate an important direct effect of androgens on the vascular system in women with AE-PCOS. Our data also suggest that the relationship between androgens and vascular health differs between phenotypes of AE-PCOS.
Topics & Concepts
Polycystic ovaryInternal medicineEndocrinologyMedicineHyperandrogenismReactive hyperemiaEndothelial dysfunctionOverweightFree androgen indexAndrogenTestosterone (patch)Lean body massBody mass indexVasodilationObesityHormoneInsulin resistanceBody weightOvarian function and disordersHormonal and reproductive studiesCardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention