The Prevalence of Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

R. D. Miulescu, M. Muşat, D. Margină, C. Poiană, S. Dănoiu

Abstract: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was defined by the presence of chronic anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, in the presence of polycystic ovaries in the absence of other causes. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. 24 women with type 1 diabetes were recruited for this study. A detailed clinical history was obtained, including age at the time of the study, type of insulin treatment employed (conventional vs. intensive), mean insulin doses. Blood samples were drawn the morning after an overnight fast, during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle or during amenorrhea. Real-time ultrasonography was done with a 7.5 MHz vaginal transducer. 14 type 1 diabetic women (58.33%) presented hirsutism with or with out increased serum androgens. The prevalence of PCOS in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus was 16.66% (4 patients). The groups of type 1 diabetic wo men with PCOS were on long-term intensive insulin treatment at the time of the study, receiving three or four daily doses. The mean daily insulin dose was 62U/day. Women with type 1 diabetes mellitus have a high prevalence of PCOS.
Keywords: type 1 diabetes mellitus, hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome.