ZINC AND COPPER LEVELS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder characterized by oligo-anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovarian morphology. It affects approximately 4–8% of women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and infertility. Trace elements such as zinc and copper are involved in metabolic regulation, insulin function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of PCOS. Aim: To evaluate the association between serum zinc and copper levels and PCOS. Methods: A case–control study was conducted at Al-Zahraa Maternity and Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Najaf, over 11 months (September 1, 2021–August 1, 2022). Fifty women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were enrolled as the case group, and 50 healthy women without PCOS served as controls. Serum zinc and copper levels were measured and compared between groups. Clinical characteristics and hormonal profiles were also assessed. Results: Women with PCOS had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), increased rates of infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism, and depressive symptoms compared with controls. Laboratory findings revealed elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, an increased LH/FSH ratio, and significantly higher serum copper levels in the PCOS group. Serum zinc levels did not differ significantly between groups. A copper cutoff value ≥102.3 mg/dl demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 96% specificity for association with PCOS. Conclusion: Serum copper levels are significantly associated with PCOS and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker, whereas zinc appears to have limited clinical value in distinguishing PCOS cases from healthy controls.