association between serum leptin levels and body mass index in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine abnormality in reproductive-age women, which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Some evidence suggested that leptin also causes PCOS due to its role in the female reproductive system. The physiological function of leptin controls the balance of energy and suppresses the center of appetite. Patients with PCOS may be underweight, normoweight, overweight, and obese, based on their body mass index (BMI), but obesity is a common clinical situation in PCOS. Obesity occurs when the level of leptin increases but cannot decrease appetite, resulting in leptin resistance. This study aimed to discover the connection between body mass index (BMI) and the level of leptin in patients with PCOS. Methods: A case-control sectional study included 100 women, divided between 50 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 50 healthy women. They're aged from 18 to 40 years old. Samples were collected from Al-Batoul General Hospital and private clinics in Diyala Governorate during the period from December 2024 to end March 2025. Blood samples were collected under fasting conditions from every enrolled participant.