Hyperinsulinemia is common in family members of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To determine whether disorders of insulin secretion are common in male and female family members of subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Design

Family study of siblings and parents of PCOS subjects (five families). All proband cases met the criteria of polycystic ovaries (PCO) by ultrasound (US) and hyperandrogenism.
Setting

University Reproductive Medicine Unit.
Patient(s)

Family members of PCOS subjects.
Intervention(s)

Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), insulin, and lipids were measured. Clinical examination including assessment of premature baldness in men and US of ovaries in female members.
Main Outcome Measure(s)

Insulin, lipids, and clinical parameters.
Result(s)

Hyperinsulinemia (69%) and hypertriglyceridemia (56%) was common in family members as were PCO in 79% of 24 females and premature baldness in men in 88% of eight subjects.
Conclusion(s)

Hyperinsulinemia is a potential metabolic and genetic marker for subjects who may be carriers of a familial tendency for PCO.