Evaluation of some trace elements and their correlation with sex hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Background & objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions
affecting women of reproductive age. Its main features include anovulation, polycystic ovaries, and androgen excess. This study aims to investigate the levels of some trace elements in women with PCOS and their correlation with female sex hormones.

Methodology: The present study examined some trace elements, such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper(Cu) levels, and sex hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, and prolactin) levels of 60 women patients diagnosed with PCOS and of 30 healthy women.

Results: The results showed that Cu levels had significantly increased, while the Mg and Zn concentrations had
decreased in women patients diagnosed with PCOS. Additionally, a notable increase in LH, total testosterone, and prolactin was observed, along with a decrease in FSH for the patient with PCOS compared to the control group.

Conclusion: This study suggests potential associations between Mg, Zn, Cu, the ratio of Cu to Zn, and PCOS in women. Notably, most of these trace elements were significantly correlated with sex hormones (LH, FSH, total testosterone, and prolactin), which affected fertility.

Abbreviations: FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone, LH: luteinizing hormone, PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Zinc, Copper, sex hormone

Citation: Al-Issawi HAT, Alkadhim Abd MA, Majeed MM. Evaluation of some trace elements and their correlation
with sex hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(8):883-889.
DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i8.3014

Received: October 13, 2025; Revised: October 26, 2025; Accepted: November 01, 2025