Serum magnesium concentrations and metabolic variables in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Hypomagnesemia is associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 and other components of the metabolic syndrome in older patients. Whether serum magnesium concentrations correlate with insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or other components of metabolic syndrome in younger women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is currently unknown.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Population: 100 consecutive women with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria and 20 age- and BMI-matched normal women.

Methods: Statistical analysis of the relationship between magnesium levels and a variety of physical, endocrine, and metabolic variables. The STROBE guidelines for a cross-sectional analysis were followed.

Main outcome measurements: Serum magnesium levels, insulin sensitivity indices, and glucose assessments. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipids served as secondary endpoint measurements.

Results: No patient demonstrated hypomagnesemia. Magnesium levels did not differ between women with and those without insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, or hypertension. Magnesium levels were similar across PCOS phenotypes and WHO-defined BMI categories. Multiple regression analysis did not suggest that serum magnesium concentrations correlated with any physical, metabolic, or endocrine variable.

Conclusions: Magnesium levels do not correspond with age, BMI, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, glycemic levels, blood pressure, or lipid levels in reproductive-age women with PCOS. Magnesium concentrations are similar across PCOS phenotypes and indistinguishable from women without PCOS.