PCOS Features and Steroid Profiles Among Young Adult Women with a History of Premature Adrenarche

Abstract

Context Premature adrenarche (PA) may increase the risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective To study features of PCOS in young adult women with a history of PA.

Methods Thirty PA and 42 control females were followed from prepuberty to young adulthood (median age 18.1 years). The main outcome measures were ovarian function, the use of contraceptives, and clinical and biochemical indicators of hyperandrogenism.

Results We found no differences in the use of hormonal contraceptives (50 vs 50%, PA vs controls, respectively; P > .999), indication for using contraceptives (P = .193), or in the history of oligo- (17 vs 26%, P = .392) and amenorrhea (0 vs 0%, P > .999). Among women not using hormonal contraceptives, those with a history of PA had a higher prevalence of hirsutism (27 vs 0%, P = .023) but not acne (87 vs 67%, P = .252). Steroid profiles were broadly comparable between the groups, but PA women had lower sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations (30.1 vs 62.4 nmol/L, P < .001) resulting in higher free androgen index (3.94 vs 2.14, P < .001). The difference in SHBG levels persisted through body mass index adjustment. SHBG correlated negatively with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (r –0.498, P = .003). Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were comparable between the groups (39.3 vs 32.1 pmol/L, P = .619).

Conclusion PA was not associated with evident ovarian dysfunction in young adult women. However, women with a history of PA had decreased SHBG levels and thus, increased bioavailability of circulating androgens.