CIRCULATING CORTISOL AND MAGNESIUM IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: EXPLORING THEIR ASSOCIATION IN A CASE–CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and obesity [1,2]. Cortisol, a stress hormone, and magnesium, an essential micronutrient involved in glucose metabolism, may play important roles in the pathophysiology of PCOS [3,4]. Aim: To evaluate and compare serum cortisol and magnesium levels in women with PCOS and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 220 women aged 18–35 years were included, comprising 110 PCOS patients and 110 healthy controls. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria [1]. Serum cortisol levels were estimated using chemiluminescent immunoassay, while serum magnesium levels were measured by colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation were applied. Results: The mean serum cortisol level in PCOS patients was 19.2±4.5 µg/dL, significantly higher than in controls (13.1±3.2 µg/dL, p<0.001). Mean serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in PCOS patients (1.58±0.24 mg/dL) compared to controls (2.03±0.19 mg/dL, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between cortisol and magnesium levels in PCOS subjects (r = −0.46, p<0.001). Conclusion: Women with PCOS showed significantly higher cortisol levels and lower magnesium levels compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that stress-related hormonal imbalance and micronutrient deficiency may contribute to the metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS.