Metabolic Syndrome and Its Characteristics among Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study in Northwest Iran

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of factors known to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women, is also closely linked to MetS. Limited information is available pertaining to the prevalence of MetS in Iranian PCOS women; therefore this study assesses the frequency of MetS and its components among PCOS women from Tabriz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated a total of 200 women with PCOS who referred to the only specialty and subspecialty gynecological center in Northwestern Iran. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. This study defined clinical and biochemical parameters for MetS by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with descriptive-analytical methods using SPSS software version 16. Results: MetS was identified in 39.5% of PCOS women. The frequencies of individual components of MetS among studied subjects were: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C)<50 mg/dL (99.5%), waist circumference(WC) >= 88cm (65%), triglycerides (TG) >= 150 mg/dL(98%), and blood ressure >= 130/ 85 mmHg(34%). There were no fasting glucose concentrations >= 110 mg/dL. The frequency of MetS increased with body mass index (BMI) as follows: normal (5.4%), overweight (41.5%) and obese (85.7%) women (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The PCOS women in this study had a high frequency of MetS and its individual components, particularly decreased HDL-C and increased triglyceride levels. These data can useful for lifestyle modification programs.