| Popis: |
Context: The phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is variable, depending on the ethnic background. Objective: The phenotypes of women with PCOS in Iceland and Boston were compared. Design: The study was observational with a parallel design. Setting: Subjects were studied in an outpatient setting. Patients: Women, aged 18–45 yr, with PCOS defined by hyperandrogenism and fewer than nine menses per year, were examined in Iceland (n = 105) and Boston (n = 262). Intervention: PCOS subjects underwent a physical exam, fasting blood samples for androgens, gonadotropins, metabolic parameters, and a transvaginal ultrasound. Main Outcome Measures: The phenotype of women with PCOS was compared between Caucasian women in Iceland and Boston and among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian women in Boston. Results: Androstenedione (4.0 ± 1.3 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2 ng/ml; P < 0.01) was higher and testosterone (54.0 ± 25.7 vs. 66.2 ± 35.6 ng/dl; P < 0.01), LH (23.1 ± 15.8 vs. 27.6 ± 16.2 IU/liter; P |
