Lipoprotein lipids in androgen excess--a study among Indian women.
OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in lipoprotein-lipid profile vis-a-vis putative risk of atherosclerotic diseases, among a group of hyperandrogenic women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Women studied were among those being screened for polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) at the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic of the institute. They all had oligomenorrhea/chronic anovulation as their problem and had clinical or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism, viz., hirsutism or elevated serum testosterone levels. Lipoprotein-lipid profiles obtained in 51 such women were compared with those of 11 controls with normal menstrual cycles and no evidence of hyperandrogenism. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in any of the lipoprotein-lipid variables which could be attributed to hyperandrogenism per se. However, a combined effect of obesity and raised circulating androgens in causing a significant change in the lipoprotein-lipid profile (increased cholesterol, LDL-C/HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C) was clearly discernible from the study. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperandrogenism by itself may not signal a risk for atherosclerotic diseases. However, the potential of such risk would be significantly enhanced if obesity is associated with high circulating levels of androgens.