Plasma catecholamine metabolites and polycystic ovary syndrome.

It has been postulated that catecholamine metabolism may be altered in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome. To search for possible correlations between catecholamine metabolism and hormonal disturbances, we have studied the serum LH, LH:FSH ratio, testosterone, and plasma catecholamine metabolites in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and in control subjects with normal ovulatory cycles. The metabolites studied were 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) as markers of adrenergic activity and dopaminergic activity, respectively. The polycystic ovary was divided into 2 patterns [general cystic pattern (GCP) and peripheral cystic pattern (PCP)] as determined by ultrasound. The results were as follows: 1) Serum LH, LH:FSH ratios, and plasma MHPG levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were significantly higher than in the controls. 2) In cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, serum LH, LH:FSH ratios, and testosterone showed no significant correlations with catecholamine metabolites. 3) Using the ultrasonographical classification, we found that plasma MHPG levels of the GCP group were significantly higher compared with the PCP group in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, catecholamine metabolism is altered in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, and ultrasonography revealed different patterns of catecholamine metabolism.