Sympathovagal Balance and Its Relationship with LH:FSH Ratio in Obese and Non-Obese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Women of reproductive age are often suffered from endocrine disorder named Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction chronic in nature as well as an elevated ratio of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) i.e. LH/FSH. While insulin resistance and obesity are commonly associated with PCOS, a rising number of lean and thin females are also being detected with the condition.
Aim: To evaluate sympathovagal balance through the valsalva manoeuvre and handgrip test and their relationships with the LH:FSH ratio in non-obese and obese patients with PCOS.
Material and Methods: The study involved 50 women aged 18 to 35 years, consisting of 22 patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) defined by a BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher and 28 patients with non-obese PCOS, whose BMI was below 23 kg/m². Key measurements included Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), levels of FSH and serum LH, handgrip strength as well as valsalva ratio for both groups.
Results: Obese patients with PCOS had significantly high WHR, BMI, & Handgrip strength compared to the other group. However, no glaring variation was seen in terms of LH:FSH ratio as well as valsalva ratio among two groups. Additionally, the valsalva ratio, Handgrip strength and the LH:FSH ratio were not significantly correlated with each other.
Conclusion: The study concluded that PCOS women exhibit altered sympathovagal balance, with reduced parasympathetic activity and elevated sympathetic tone. Obese PCOS patients showed greater handgrip strength compared to their non-obese counterparts. Higher BMI in females with PCOS was linked with higher WHR. However, major variances were not observed among two groups in terms of endocrinological parameters. Further, the Valsalva ratio, Handgrip strength and the FSH/LH ratio were not significantly correlated with each other.