Impact of Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women, throughout the life, from adolescence to menopause. Insulin resistance is its central pathophysiological feature. Polycystic ovary syndrome can have an impact on both reproductive and metabolic health.

Objective: To assess the impact of insulin resistance, in polycystic ovarian syndrome, in reproductive-age women.

Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Medicine, M. Islam Medical & Dental College, Gujranwala, Pakistan from 1^st October 2025 to 31^st March 2026 and 295 women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndromes were enrolled. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and hormonal data were recorded. Fasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels were measured, and insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results: The mean age of participants was 27.8±5.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.4±4.8 kg/m². Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.5) was present in 75.6% of women, with a mean HOMA-IR value of 4.1±2.0. Insulin resistance was more prevalent among overweight and obese women, affecting 85.3% of those with body mass index ≥25 kg/m². Clinical features such as oligo/anovulation (82.8%), hyperandrogenism (84.1%), and elevated luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (81.5%) were significantly associated with insulin resistance.

Conclusion: Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in reproductive-age women with polycystic ovarian syndromes and has impact on both metabolic and reproductive features of the syndrome.