Gonadal dysfunction in morbidly obese adolescent girls

Incidence, prevalence, and trends in polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis: a United States population-based study from 2006 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, yet US incidence estimates do not exist, and prevalence estimates vary widely.

OBJECTIVE

A population-based US study estimated the incidence, prevalence, and trends of polycystic ovary syndrome by age, race and ethnicity, and diagnosing provider type.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Washington from 2006 to 2019 was conducted. All members identified as female, aged 16 to 40 years with at least 3 years of enrollment and at least 1 healthcare encounter during that time, were eligible for inclusion. Individuals were excluded if they had a history of oophorectomy or hysterectomy. Polycystic ovary syndrome cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, 256.4 or International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, E28.2). Individuals with a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis before study entry were excluded from incidence rate estimations. The incidence rates were adjusted by age using direct standardization to the 2010 US census data. Temporal trends in incidence were assessed using weighted linear regression (overall) and Poisson regression (by age, race and ethnicity, and provider type). Prevalent cases were defined as patients with a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis at any time before the end of 2019. Medical record review of 700 incident cases diagnosed in 2011-2019 was performed to validate incident cases identified by International Classification of Diseases codes using the Rotterdam criteria.

RESULTS

Among 177,527 eligible patients who contributed 586,470 person-years, 2491 incident polycystic ovary syndrome cases were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 26.9 years, and the mean body mass index was 31.6 kg/m2. Overall incidence was 42.5 per 10,000 person-years; the rates were similar over time but increased in individuals aged 16 to 20 years from 31.0 to 51.9 per 10,000 person-years (P=.01) and decreased among those aged 26 to 30 years from 82.8 to 45.0 per 10,000 person-years (P=.02). A small decreasing temporal trend in incidence rates was only observed among non-Hispanic White individuals (P=.01). The incidence rates by diagnosing provider type varied little over time. Among the 58,241 patients who contributed person-time in 2019, 3036 (5.2%) had a polycystic ovary syndrome International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code; the prevalence was the highest among the Hawaiian and Pacific Islander group (7.6%) followed by Native American and Hispanic groups. Medical record review classified 60% as definite or probable incident, 14% as possible incident, and 17% as prevalent polycystic ovary syndrome. The overall positive predictive value of polycystic ovary syndrome International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code for identifying definite, probable, or possible incident polycystic ovary syndrome was 76% (95% confidence interval, 72%-79%).

CONCLUSION

Among a cohort of nonselected females in the United States, we observed stable rates of incident polycystic ovary syndrome diagnoses over time. The incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome was 4- to 5-fold greater than reported for the United Kingdom. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (5.2%) was almost double before the published US estimates (2.9%) based on the International Classification of Diseases codes. Race and ethnicity and provider type did not seem to have a major impact on temporal rates. Incident diagnoses increased over time in younger and decreased in older age groups, perhaps related to shifting practice patterns with greater awareness among practitioners of the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on long-term health outcomes and improved prevention efforts. Moreover, increasing obesity rates may be a factor driving the earlier ages at diagnosis.

Functional and endocrine-metabolic oligomenorrhea: proposal of a new diagnostic assessment tool for differential diagnosis in adolescence

Background To develop a diagnostic assessment tool, using clinical, biochemical and sonographic markers, to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis of functional oligomenorrhea (FO) and endocrine-metabolic oligomenorrhea (EMO). Methods Sixty-two adolescents with oligomenorrhea without evident hormonal imbalances or severe energy deficit were selected. They were divided into two groups (EMO and FO) and they all underwent the following assessment: physical examination (height, weight, presence of hirsutism or acne), blood exams and transabdominal ultrasonography. The biochemical markers included: hemoglobin, thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), free (FT) and total testosterone (TT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Uterine and ovarian volume, ovarian morphology, endometrial thickness and pulsatility index (PI) of uterine arteries were evaluated with ultrasound. Results Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio were significantly higher in women with EMO than in those with FO. Increased androgens values were found in the EMO group, but only A and FT were significantly different (p=0.04). Ovarian volume and uterine artery PI were the only ultrasound features significantly different, with higher values in the EMO population (p<0.05). Considering these variables, with a receiving characteristic operating curve, new cut-offs were calculated, and a diagnostic assessment tool elaborated (area under curve [AUC] 0.88, specificity 99%, sensibility 59%, p<0.001]. Conclusions This diagnostic tool, specific for adolescents, could be useful in the management of oligomenorrhea. Recognizing and distinguishing EMO and FO is very important in order to establish an appropriate treatment and a correct follow-up.

Ovulatory status of overweight women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective:

Obesity is one of the extra hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis factors that can influence ovulation. The isolated impact of obesity on ovulation without other comorbidities needs to be further studied. Our goal is to evaluate the association between the anovulation in the ultrasonographic monitoring of the ovulation cycle and the body mass increase of infertile patients without polycystic ovaries of a university service.

Methods:

Case-control study performed at the Human Reproduction Laboratory of the University Hospital. We evaluated 1,356 ultrasound monitoring reports of ovulation between January 2011 and December 2015. We named case those patients who ovulated on the monitored cycle. After applying the exclusion criteria, we consolidated a total of 110 cases and 118 controls. The exposure variables were normal BMI or patients classified with a BMI above normal. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. Differences in proportions were assessed by X² test Pearson, Fisher and Wilcoxon test. The value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The groups were comparable in age, age at menarche, number of pregnancies, deliveries, cesarean sections and abortions, number of antral follicles, FSH, prolactin and TSH values. Among the anovulatory patients, 57 (51.82%) were overweight, while among ovulatory patients, 44 (37.29%) were in this same BMI category. The odds ratio was 1.8655, with a significant p value (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

There was an association between anovulation and increase in the Body Mass Index, with an increased risk of anovulation in patients with BMI above normal.

Long-term follow-up of gonadal dysfunction in morbidly obese adolescent boys after bariatric surgery

Background Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with hypogonadism in men but this is not well described in adolescents. The aim is to evaluate gonadal dysfunction and the effects of weight loss after gastric banding in obese adolescent boys. Methods Thirty-seven of 54 boys (age 16.2±1.2 years, mean BMI 48.2 kg/m2) enrolled at the Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center had low total testosterone for Tanner 5 <350 ng/dL. Sixteen had long-term hormonal data for analysis at baseline (T0), 1 year (T1) and 2 years (T2) post-surgery. T-tests, chi-squared (χ2) tests, correlation and linear mixed models were performed. Results At T0, the hypogonadal group had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (75th vs. 57th percentile, p=0.02), fasting insulin (19 vs. 9 μIU/mL, p=0.0008) and homeostatic index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (4.2 vs. 1.9, p=0.009) compared to control group. Total testosterone was negatively correlated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In the long-term analysis, BMI, weight, waist circumference (WC), and % excess weight decreased at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean total testosterone at T0, T1 and T2 were 268, 304 and 368 ng/dL, respectively (p=0.07). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and testosterone after 2 years (r=-0.81, p=0.003). Conclusions Low testosterone levels but unaltered gonadotropins are common in this group and associated with insulin resistance. While a significant increase in testosterone was not found over time, the negative relationship between BMI and testosterone persisted, suggesting there may be an optimal threshold for testosterone production with respect to BMI. Long-term studies are needed.

Ovarian Morphology by Transabdominal Ultrasound Correlates With Reproductive and Metabolic Disturbance in Adolescents With PCOS

PURPOSE

To determine whether ovarian morphology imaged using transabdominal ultrasonography reflects clinical and metabolic features in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

A retrospective pilot study was conducted in 33 adolescents (12-18 years) with PCOS as defined by hyperandrogenism and irregular cycles. Adolescents underwent the following assessments at a random time during the menstrual cycle: transabdominal ultrasonography, physical examination (height, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), fasting hormonal tests (free, percent free, and total testosterone, androstenedione, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), and metabolic tests (including an oral glucose tolerance test, fasting and 2-hour insulin and glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and whole-body insulin sensitivity index). Ultrasound images were analyzed offline for ovarian area (OA), ovarian volume (OV), follicle number per cross section (FNPS), and follicle distribution pattern. Associations among endocrine and metabolic variables with sonographic features were assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Total testosterone and androstenedione, but not free testosterone, or percent free testosterone, positively correlated with OA (ρ = .515, ρ = .422, respectively), OV (ρ = .451, ρ = .382), and FNPS (ρ = .394, ρ = .474). Luteinizing hormone:follicle stimulating hormone ratio also positively correlated with ovarian size (OA, ρ = .520 and OV, ρ = .409). Unexpectedly, body mass index (ρ = -.503) and fasting glucose levels (ρ = -.393) were inversely correlated with FNPS. Total testosterone was an independent predictor of FNPS, OA, and OV as judged by stepwise multiple regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Some aspects of ovarian morphology in adolescents with PCOS using transabdominal ultrasonography associate with markers of reproductive dysfunction and provide rationale to further investigate how ovarian morphology may reflect concurrent metabolic dysfunction.

Prevalence of 'obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction' in severely obese men and women and its resolution after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sexual dimorphism manifests noticeably in obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction. In women, obesity is associated with androgen excess disorders, mostly the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), whereas androgen deficiency is frequently present in obese men in what has been termed as male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism (MOSH). Obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction, consisting of PCOS in women and MOSH in men, is a frequent finding in patients with severe obesity and it may be ameliorated or even resolve with marked weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We aimed to obtain an estimation of the prevalence of obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction among women and men presenting with severe obesity and to evaluate the response to bariatric surgery in terms of resolution and/or improvement of this condition and changes in circulating sex hormone concentrations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched PubMed and EMBASE for articles published up to June 2016. After deleting duplicates, the abstract of 757 articles were analyzed. We subsequently excluded 712 articles leaving 45 studies for full-text assessment of eligibility. Of these, 16 articles were excluded. Hence, 29 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis and in the different meta-analyses. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality index for prevalence studies and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies With No Control Group available from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. For meta-analyses including more than 10 studies, we used funnel and Doi plots to estimate publication bias.

OUTCOMES

In severely obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery, obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction was very prevalent: PCOS was present in 36% (95CI 22-50) of women and MOSH was present in 64% (95CI 50-77) of men. After bariatric surgery, resolution of PCOS was found in 96% (95CI 89-100) of affected women and resolution of MOSH occurred in 87% (95CI 76-95) of affected men. Sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations increased after bariatric surgery in women (22 pmol/l, 95CI 2-47) and in men (22 pmol/l, 95CI 19-26) and serum estradiol concentrations decreased in women (-104 pmol/l, 95CI -171 to -39) and to a lesser extent in men (-22 pmol/l, 95CI -38 to -7). On the contrary, sex-specific changes were observed in serum androgen concentrations: for example, total testosterone concentration increased in men (8.1 nmol/l, 95CI 6-11) but decreased in women (-0.7 nmol/l, 95CI -0.9 to -0.5). The latter was accompanied by resolution of hirsutism in 53% (95CI 29-76), and of menstrual dysfunction in 96% (95CI 88-100), of women showing these symptoms before surgery.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction is among the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with severe obesity and should be ruled out routinely during their initial diagnostic workup. Considering the excellent response regarding both PCOS and MOSH, bariatric surgery should be offered to severely obese patients presenting with obesity-associated gonadal dysfunction.

Alterations in Glucose Effectiveness and Insulin Dynamics: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Body Mass Index

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To delineate the relationship of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and hyperandrogenism (HA) with glucose and insulin dynamics in adolescents across a broad body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

Seventy-four PCOS subjects (aged 16 years) and 82 controls (aged 16 years) were evaluated by an oral glucose tolerance test. Subjects were categorized by BMI: normal weight (21 ± 0.4), overweight/obesity (OO; 33 ± 1.0), and severe obesity (SO; 48 ± 1.4). Indices of glucose and insulin dynamics were determined. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of PCOS, HA, and BMI to these indices.

RESULTS

BMI was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and insulin resistance. A significant interaction between BMI and PCOS and indices of post-glucose load was observed. The mean difference in peak glucose, early glucose response, area under the curve for glucose, and glucose effectiveness (SgIo) between PCOS and control subjects was significantly different between OO and SO. In PCOS subjects, testosterone was positively associated with BMI, fasting insulin, early insulin response, and diastolic blood pressure, and negatively associated with SgIo.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal glucose dynamics in adolescents with PCOS is mainly due to SO. The combination of PCOS and SO has a synergistic effect on glucose dynamics when compared to all other groups.

Adolescence and polycystic ovary syndrome: current concepts on diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a time characterised by changes in reproductive hormones and menstrual patterns, which makes it difficult to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in this population. The diagnosis of PCOS has a great physical and psychosocial impact on the young person. Despite the importance of a diagnosis of PCOS at adolescence, data available are limited.

AIMS

This review focuses on analysing markers of PCOS diagnosis and possible treatments in adolescence.

RESULTS

Although, during adolescence, diagnosis criteria of PCOS overlap with physiological changes including clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism (acne and hirsutism), oligo/amenorrhoea, anovulation and ovarian microcysts, there is agreement that irregular menses and hyperandrogenaemia should be used to diagnose PCOS in this population. Moreover, considering that PCOS phenotype could change through the reproductive age and that adolescents display heterogeneous ovarian morphology, it has been proposed that diagnosis of PCOS should be confirmed after the age of 18. The first-line treatment for menstrual irregularity and hirsutism are oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and for obesity and metabolic abnormalities are lifestyle changes. Insulin-sensitizer drugs, such as metformin, may be added to the treatment in the presence of metabolic alterations. Antiandrogen drugs may also be associated for treating moderate to severe hirsutism. During adolescence, physiological changes overlap with signs and symptoms of PCOS; thus the diagnosis criteria should be carefully considered. Regarding the treatment of adolescents with PCOS, non-pharmacological interventions include lifestyle changes. Pharmacological treatments comprise OCPs, antiandrogens and metformin, used isolated or combined.

CONCLUSIONS

During adolescence, physiological changes overlap with signs and symptoms of PCOS; thus the diagnosis criteria should be carefully considered. Regarding the treatment of adolescents with PCOS, non-pharmacological interventions include lifestyle changes. Pharmacological treatments comprise OCPs, antiandrogens and metformin, used isolated or combined.

The Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome during Adolescence

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescence are controversial, primarily because the diagnostic pathological features used in adult women may be normal pubertal physiological events. Hence, international pediatric and adolescent specialty societies have defined criteria that have sufficient evidence to be used for the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents.

METHODS

The literature has been reviewed and evidence graded to address a series of questions regarding the diagnosis of PCOS during adolescence including the following: clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, criteria for oligo-anovulation and polycystic ovary morphology, diagnostic criteria to exclude other causes of hyperandrogenism and amenorrhea, role of insulin resistance, and intervention.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Features of PCOS overlap normal pubertal development. Hence, caution should be taken before diagnosing PCOS without longitudinal evaluation. However, treatment may be indicated even in the absence of a definitive diagnosis. While obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia are common findings in adolescents with hyperandrogenism, these features should not be used to diagnose PCOS among adolescent girls. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.