Exploring the significance of sex hormone-binding globulin examination in the treament of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Objective: To explore whether sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) can be seen as therapeutic effect indexes of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: The body mass index (BMI), basal sexual hormones, SHBG, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting insulin (FINS) were collected from 579 women with PCOS, were divided into two groups according to BMI: obese group (n = 145) and non-obese group (n = 434), according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin status (HOMA-IR). Patients were then divided into four groups: A: non-obese without insulin resistance (n = 174), B: non-obese with insulin resistance (n = 260), C: obese without insulin resistance (n = 34), D: obese with insulin resistance (n = 111). A and B groups received Diane-35 alone, C and D groups received Diane-35 plus metformin for three months. Then clomiphene citrate and HMAG were used to induce ovulation then compared ovulation rate and pregnancy outcome.

Results: FAI decreased significantly and SHBG increased significantly in all groups. In A group FINS and HOMA-IR increased significantly (p < 0.05), but in B and D groups FINS and HOMA-IR decreased significantly (p < 0.05). After treatment the ovulation rate in non-obese group was higher than obese group (p < 0.01). Compared with non-ovulation patients, SHBG increased significantly and FAI decreased significantly in the patient with ovulation. Regarding the pregnancy outcome, FAI decreased significantly in delivery patients than spontaneous abortion patients. Furthermore, SHBG increased significantly.

Conclusions: It was important to check SHBG and FAI during the treatment of PCOS patient. They could be used to assess whether the treatment was effective and as a guidance of clinical medication.