OBJECTIVE: Some data are available on the association between components of the insulin resistance syndrome and serum ferritin. Insulin resistance is observed in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) We hypothesize that body iron stores might be increased in these women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and six people (103 PCOS patients and 103 healthy women who were matched for age) entered the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure of the participants were measured and serum androgens, gonadotropins, insulin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, CRP and ferritin were evaluated. RESULTS: Women with PCOS had a higher concentration of serum ferritin (146.5±14.6 pmol/l in PCOS vs. 129.6±21.3 pmol/l in controls, P= 0.03) and insulin as well (80.5± 62.5 Pmol/l in PCOS vs. 53.5± 29.8 Pmol/l in controls, p=0.017). No correlation was found between serum ferritin and BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and CRP. Multiple regression analysis, only showed an association between serum ferritin and severity of oligomenorrhea (r: 0.23, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Serum ferritin levels are increased in women with PCOS irrespective of their BMI, CRP and insulin resistance. This might be due to oligomenorrhea and less blood loss in this population.

Keywords: Ferritin, PCOS, Insulin resistance, Iron store, Obesity

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