Fat intake pattern in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Research question : Have women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a different fat intake pattern? Design : A case-control study of 276 women between 20 and 35 years old from the Region of Murcia (Spain). Cases (n=121) were attended at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University Clinical Hospital and diagnosed with PCOS using Rotterdam criteria. Controls (n=155) were women without PCOS attending the gynecological outpatient clinic for routine gynecological examinations. Data from clinical, gynecological and analytical exams were collected, including a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between fat intake and presence of PCOS and its phenotypes were examined using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results : Although we did not find associations between fatty acids intake and PCOS, we observed significant associations for some PCOS phenotypes. The PCOS phenotype characterized by hyperandrogenism + oligo/amenorrhoea + polycystic ovarian morphology (“H+O+POM”) was significantly associated with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fat [OR=4.0; 95%CI=1.1-14.2; fourth quartile of highest intake (Q4) vs. lowest intake quartile as reference (Q1)] and omega-6 fatty acids (OR=3.5; 95%CI=1.01-12.4; Q3 vs. Q1). The “H+O” phenotype was positively associated with saturated fat intake (OR=6.9; CI95%=1.1-41.6; Q4 vs. Q1). Conclusion : This exploratory study suggests that higher intakes of specific fatty acids is related to some PCOS phenotypes although no association was found for PCOS globally considered. It would be recommendable that studies with larger sample size be performed to explore further these associations, thus contributing to stablish recommendations about fat intake adapted to different PCOS phenotypes