Reproductive endocrinology

To evaluate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with different pulsatility index (PI) of uterine artery showed differences in their hormonal pattern. Methods: Eighty-eight PCOS-affected patients and 15 controls were submitted to Doppler flow measurement of uterine artery; LH, FSH PRL, estradiol, and androgens concentration determination; and BMI evaluation during early follicular phase. Results: The mean PI of uterine artery of PCOS patients was significantly higher than control group (2.97±0.9 vs. 1.89±0.2 respectively). The distribution of the PI'values was significantly different in the PCOS-affected patients and in control group. The plasma levels of DHEAS and BMI were significantly higher in PCOS patients with PI ≥ 3 than in PCOS patients with PI < 3. Conclusion: High resistance in the uterine artery is present in PCOS patients, but a wide range PI vahtes of uterine artery is present. BMI and DHEAS seem to be factors interfering with uterine perfusion.