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The influence of obesity on hyperandrogenism and infertility in the female
Author(s) -
DiamantiKandarakis E.,
Bergiele A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
obesity reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.845
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1467-789X
pISSN - 1467-7881
DOI - 10.1046/j.1467-789x.2001.00041.x
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , adipose tissue , hyperandrogenism , obesity , leptin , sex hormone binding globulin , insulin resistance , biology , infertility , hormone , insulin , reproductive system , polycystic ovary , androgen , pregnancy , genetics
Although a critical mass of adipose tissue is essential for the normal development of female reproductive function, obesity has been shown to produce menstrual disturbances and subfertility. The severity of obesity and the distribution of fat tissue are important factors that influence the female reproductive system. The pathogenetic mechanistic links between them aren’t clearly elucidated. Obese women, especially those with upper body obesity, have insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, hyperandrogenaemia, increased peripheral aromatization of androgens to oestrogens, altered gonadotrophin secretion, decreased sex hormone binding globulin, decreased growth hormone (GH) and insulin like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), increased leptin levels and altered neuroregulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. These have been considered as some of the links in the sequence of events of the disrupted ovulatory process. The mechanisms of these actions and their influence on female reproductive function are discussed below.