Association of High Levels of Testosterone and Ferritin with Overweight in Women with PCOS

Background & Objective: The present study was conducted to determine testosterone and ferritin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate its relationship with body mass index (BMI) Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 104 PCOS cases and 99 controls were included. The concentration of testosterone, ferritin, lipid profile, insulin, glucose, and androgen was measured in fasting blood samples. Results: Testosterone level was equal to 1.08 ± 0.50 and 0.85 ± 0.42 in the case and control groups, respectively (P< 0.001). Values of ferritin (123.45 ± 18.21ng/dl vs. 92.14 ± 17.74 ng/dl in control group, p< 0.001), insulin (11.41 ± 3.84 μU/ml vs. 7.02 ± 3.29 μU/ml in control group, p< 0.001), and insulin resistance (11.41 ± 3.84 vs.7.02 ± 3.29 in control group, p< 0.001) was also measured. There was a significant relationship between serum concentration of testosterone and ferritin with BMI (p<0.001). The role of ferritin to predict PCOS was significant (ß:-1.1, P< 0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, the levels of testosterone and ferritin were increased in patients with PCOS. Although elevated testosterone levels are effective in PCOS, ferritin concentration is an important factor in predicting and exacerbating the disease.