the relation between diverse phenotypes of pcos with clinical manifestations, anthropometric indices and metabolic characteristics

critical issue regarding to variation of findings based on different phenotypes led investigators to define whether they are distinct features or overlapping ones. therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between diverse phenotypes of pcos (poly cystic ovary syndrome) with clinical manifestations, anthropometric indices, and metabolic characteristics. this was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 15-39 years old women with pcos referred to infertility clinics in the north part of iran, rasht during 2010-2011. data were gathered through an interview by a form consisted of demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, ovarian volume and anthropometric indices. a total of 214 patients consisted of 161 pcos (cases) and 53 normal women (controls) participated in this study. the most prevalent phenotype in pcos population was im/pco/ha (54%), followed by im/ha (28%) and im/pco (13%). pco/ha was present only in 6 pcos patients (5%). pcos patients were significantly younger than controls ( p =0.07). results showed that increased ovarian volume were higher in pcos group in comparison with controls and im/pco/ha, and im/pco had respectively the largest ovarian volumes. also, a significant relation was observed based on cholesterol, 17ohp, lh, tg, 2hpp, and lh/fsh between patients with pcos and control groups. there were significant differences in demographic, anthropometric, hormonal and ultrasound findings between pcos and controls. therefore, it seems that classification of the characteristics of each phenotype could offer an appropriate guide for screening risks of pcos and may facilitate performing most favorable treatment for these complications.