A study of correlation of ovarian volume with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Dr. Shaurya Singh ¹, Dr. T.G. Revathy ^2*, Dr. T.S. Meena ³, Dr. Sindhu RSS ⁴

¹Post graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chrompet, Chennai – 600044, India
^2*Guide, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chrompet, Chennai – 600044, India
³HOD & Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chrompet, Chennai – 600044, India
⁴Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chrompet, Chennai – 600044, India

Author information

¹Email: shauryasinghobg@gmail.com
^2*Email: drtgrevathy@gmail.com
³Email: meenats@gmail.com
⁴Email: drsindhurss@gmail.com

---

ABSTRACT

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, with insulin resistance (IR) playing a central pathogenic role. Ovarian enlargement caused by stromal hypertrophy and follicular arrest may reflect underlying metabolic disturbances. However, the clinical utility of ovarian volume as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance remains inadequately explored.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ovarian volume and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, determine whether ovarian volume independently predicts metabolic dysfunction, and assess its diagnostic accuracy in identifying insulin resistance.

Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 54 women aged 18–35 years diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria at a tertiary care hospital. Clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations, and pelvic ultrasonography were performed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Ovarian volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, multivariate regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results
The mean total ovarian volume was 26.3 ± 6.8 cm³, and insulin resistance was present in 83.3% of participants. Total ovarian volume showed a significant positive correlation with fasting insulin (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression demonstrated that ovarian volume independently predicted insulin resistance (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) after adjusting for BMI and age. ROC analysis revealed good diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.82 and an optimal cutoff value of 22.5 cm³.

Conclusion
Ovarian volume is strongly associated with insulin resistance and independently predicts metabolic severity in PCOS. Due to its non-invasive and cost-effective nature, ovarian volume measurement may serve as a useful adjunct tool for metabolic risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian volume, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, ultrasonography, metabolic risk.

How to cite this article: Dr. Shaurya Singh, Dr. T.G. Revathy, Dr. T.S. Meena, Dr. Sindhu RSS | A study of correlation of ovarian volume with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome | Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 287-292, DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.35