Evaluation of Changes in Levels of Hyperandrogenism, Hirsutism and Menstrual Regulation After a Period of Aquatic High Intensity Interval Training in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a polygenic endocrine disorder in women of
reproductive ages which will lead to infertility. This study is aimed to determine changes in levels
of hyperandrogenism, hirsutism and menstrual regulation after a period of aquatic high intensity
interval training (AHIIT) in women with PCOS.

Methods: Thirty patients with PCOS having age
between 20 and 35 and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 in obstetrics and gynaecology clinics
in Isfahan were selected based on Rotterdam Diagnostic Criteria. They were randomly divided
into experimental (AHIIT + metformin, N = 15) and control groups (metformin, N = 15). The
exercises were done for 12 weeks, three sessions of 20 minutes. Metformin (1500 mg) was taken
daily for 3 consecutive days for 12 weeks. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, t‑test, Covariance and
Wilcoxon were applied (P value < 0.05).

Results: After 12 weeks, no significant difference was
observed in waist‑to‑hip ratio (WHR), but in AHIIT, the BMI and fat mass significantly decreased
and levels of follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), free testosterone (FT) and sex hormone binding
globulin (SHBG) increased compared to control group (P < 0.05). While levels of improvement
of total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), FT, luteinising hormone (LH)
and free androgen index (FAI) were not significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore,
there was a significant decrease in homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR) and
hirsutism severity in experimental group (P < 0.05). In both groups, the order of menstrual cycles
improved significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Doing AHIIT besides drug therapy can be effective
for PCOS patients.

Keywords: AHIIT, hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, menstrual, PCOS