HERSHEY, Pa., Jul 29, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say high levels
of insulin could be an early sign that girls whose mothers suffer from
polycystic ovary syndrome might also be susceptible.
Researchers at the Penn State University College of Medicine say their finding
could help determine whether daughters of women suffering from PCOS are at a
higher risk of developing the disease, compared with girls whose mothers do not
have the disease.
"Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of
reproductive age, and sometimes causes inability to become pregnant," the
researchers said, noting symptoms include hairiness due to excessive amounts of
male hormones, irregular periods and insulin resistance.
"We found insulin resistance in children who had entered puberty, and whose
mothers had PCOS," said Dr. Richard Legro, a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and the study's lead author. "We did not find it in the youngest
children, which suggests that the disease is triggered by puberty."
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was reported in a recent
issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International