Assessment of pulmonary functions and anthropometric measurements in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare pulmonary function tests of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) versus healthy women, and to investigate correlations between pulmonary function tests and anthropometric measurements of them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 31 women with PCOS and 29 controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI) were enrolled into the study. Pulmonary function tests were performed with spirometer. Body fat percentage was calculated from the skinfold thicknesses using the formula. Biacromial, chest antero-posterior and lateral diameter measurements were carried out with anthropometric set.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between patients with PCOS and healthy controls in the pulmonary function tests, body fat %, chest and abdomen region anthropometric measurements. There were moderate negative correlations only between forced expiratory volume per 1 s and BMI, abdomen circumference, body fat percentage in patients with PCOS. In the control group, however, there were moderate or strong negative correlations between anthropometric measurements (BMI, body fat percentage, abdominal circumference, chest lateral diameter) and at least three different pulmonary function tests.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the upper body anthropometry and respiratory function relations might have impaired in patients with PCOS. We think that this situation might support the increased tendency for poor health status in patients with PCOS.