Lipid disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Small but detectable disturbances concerning blood lipid levels manifested by somewhat higher concentrations of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides as well as higher values of atherogenic indices expressing the ratio of cholesterol present in atherogenic lipoprotein fractions to that present in atheroprotective HDL fraction have been shown to exist in 36 women with polycystic ovary syndrome. HDL-cholesterol concentration was lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome than in healthy women. The disturbances described above were more pronounced in obese patients. No correlation was found between the disturbances in lipid levels and hormonal disturbances particularly hyperandrogenemia.