Uterine perfusion and hormonal pattern in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Purpose. To evaluate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with different pulsatility index (PI) of uterine artery showed differences in their hormonal pattern. Methods. Eighty-eight PCOS-affected patients and 15 controls were submitted to Doppler flow measurement of uterine artery; LH, FSH PRL, estradiol, and androgens concentration determination; and BMI evaluation during early follicular phase. Results: The mean PI of uterine artery of PCOS patients was significantly higher than control group (2.97 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.89 +/- 0.2 respectively). The distribution of the PI' values was significantly different in the PCOS-affected patients and in control group. The plasma levels of DHEAS and BMI were significantly higher in PCOS patients with PI greater than or equal to 3 than in PCOS patients with PI < 3. Conclusion: High resistance in the uterine artery is present in PCOS patients, but a wide range PI values of uterine artery is present. BMI and DHEAS seem to be factors interfering with uterine perfusion.