The concentration of basal cortisol and its correlation analysis in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective:To measure the basal concentration of cortisol and analyze its associations with correlative factors in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).Methods:34 obese(or overweight)and 50 normally-weighed women with PCOS and 21 age-matched healthy women were recruited.Fasting plasma cortisol,insulin,glucose and insulin sensitivity(with euglycemic clamp technique)were measured.Results:Basal cortisol level in the obese or overweight patients with PCOS was lower than in normal weight PCOS and control groups(P0.05).In the patients with PCOS,multiple linear regression analysis showed that basal cortisol correlated negatively with body mass index,insulin sensitivity and fasting insulin level.Conclusion:The obese or overweight patients with PCOS have significantly decreased basal cortisol level.Basal level of cortisol correlates not only with body weight,but also with insulin sensitivity and fasting insulin level in patients with PCOS.