BIOCHEMICAL INSIGHTS AND HORMONAL MARKERS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN SUDANESE WOMEN: EXPLORING INFERTILITY AND RISK FACTORS IN RED SEA STATE

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age, with prevalence rates ranging from 5% to 13%. Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, androgen excess, hair growth, acne, and cysts in the ovaries, often seen during adolescence. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the hormonal and biochemical profiles of women with PCOS in the Red Sea State, Sudan with a focus on infertility and associated risk factors. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved 40 women with a Rotterdam-defined PCOS diagnosis and 40 healthy control subjects. Participants provided demographic information, including age, family history, irregular menstruation, infertility, metabolic abnormalities, and clinical symptoms. Serum was extracted to estimate hormonal profiles, and enzymatic techniques were used to analyze fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles, while ELISA quantitative methods were used for hormone profiles. Results: The study found that 40% of patients were aged 20-30, 45% were with primary schools’ education level, 53% had low economic status, 58% had abnormal menstrual cycle features, 60% had a positive case history, 75% did not have chronic disease characteristics, 68% had infants, and 83% had normal body mass index. The study found an insignificant correlation between infertility hormones and lipid profiles in patients, with FSH, LH, and LDL showing insignificant variation, while PRL, Chol, TG, and HDL showed significant correlations. Conclusion: The study reveals significant changes in lipid and hormonal profiles in Sudanese women with PCOS, even those with normal BMI. Although cyst laterality doesn't strongly correlate with clinical indicators, more research is needed to understand its relationship with LH and chronic illness. Early screening and multidisciplinary therapy are crucial due to high incidence of dyslipidemia, positive family history, and irregular menstruation.