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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024; 132(01): 6-14
DOI: 10.1055/a-2201-8618
Article

Reduction in the Free Androgen Index in Overweight Women After Sixty Days of a Low Glycemic Diet

Barbara Zapała
1   Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
2   Jagiellonian University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
,
Patrycja Marszalec
3   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
,
Monika Piwowar
4   Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
,
Olaf Chmura
3   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
,
Tomasz Milewicz
5   Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Abstract

Background Hyperandrogenism is among the most common endocrine disorders in women. Clinically, it manifests as hirsutism, acne, and alopecia. A healthy lifestyle, including nutritious dietary patterns and physical activity, may influence the clinical manifestation of the disease. This study determined the effect of a low-glycemic index anti-inflammatory diet on testosterone levels and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and clinical symptoms in hyperandrogenic women at their reproductive age.

Methods The study included 44 overweight and obese women diagnosed with hyperandrogenism. The anthropometrics (weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference), physical activity, and dietary habits were assessed using valid questionnaires, scales, stadiometer, and tape meter. The significant p-value was <0.001. Serum testosterone and SHBG levels were measured using automated immunoassay instruments.

Results The intervention based on a low-glycemic index diet with anti-inflammatory elements and slight energy deficit decreased total testosterone levels (p<0.003), increased SHBG levels (p<0.001), and decreased the free androgen index (FAI; p<0.001). Post-intervention, overall well-being was much higher than in the pre-intervention period (p<0.001), and stress was diminished (p<0.001). Western nutritional patterns positively correlate with clinical hyperandrogenism progression, whereas several factors of the low-glycemic index diet with anti-inflammatory elements and slight energy deficit positively associate with reduced clinical hyperandrogenism symptoms.

Conclusions In overweight and obese women, proper selection of diet, introduction of moderate physical activity, and reduction in weight, stress factors, and alcohol consumption translate into several positive effects, including reduced FAI and symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, menstrual disorders, and infertility.

Key words

hyperandrogenism - diet - anti-inflammatory - testosterone - sex hormone - binding globulin - free androgen index


Publication History

Received: 28 April 2023

Accepted: 06 August 2023

Article published online:
18 January 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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