Polycystic ovary syndrome and lung function: a Mendelian randomization study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, but often undiagnosed, endocrine and metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and ovulatory dysfunction.1Shorakae S. Boyle J. Teede H. Polycystic ovary syndrome: a common hormonal condition with major metabolic sequelae that physicians should know about.Intern Med J. 2014; 44: 720-726Crossref PubMed Scopus (33) Google Scholar PCOS is associated with many health conditions, but evidence is limited regarding its effect on lung function. Oligomenorrhea, a cardinal symptom of PCOS, has been associated with low forced vital capacity (FVC), which is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality.2Real F.G. Svanes C. Omenaas E.R. et al.Menstrual irregularity and asthma and lung function.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 120: 557-564Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar Using a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we estimated the causal effect of PCOS on 5 lung function outcomes, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FVC, FEV1/FVC, airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC