Background & aim: Infertility presents a formidable challenge to global public health, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) emerging as a prominent contributor. PCOS is associated with persistent health complications, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Elevated body weight and central adiposity exacerbate the likelihood of anovulation and infertility in women. This study seeks to examine the relationship between anthropometric measurements and lipid profiles among infertile women with PCOS.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at infertility treatment center in Mashhad, Iran, between May 2023 and January 2024. The study enrolled 280 married women aged 18–45 years who met inclusion criteria, specifically those diagnosed with both PCOS and infertility. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling and their anthropometric measurements were assessed by trained personnel. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Inferential analyses included Pearson correlation and ANOVA.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and triglyceride levels (TG) (P=0.030). Likewise, individuals with a BMI exceeding 30 displayed a positive correlation with elevated TG levels (P=0.035). Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) values exceeding 0.57 and elevated TG levels (P=0.003).
Conclusion: PCOS women, characterized by diverse features, exhibited distinct lipid profiles. The intricate relationship observed between lipid metabolism and various PCOS traits may shed light on the heightened susceptibility to long-term complications associated with elevated lipid levels. Regular monitoring of blood lipids and management of central obesity are imperative for women with PCOS.