Physical Activity by Accelerometry is Prospectively Associated With Lower Testosterone and Hirsutism Score Among Adolescent Girls

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) is recommended for the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it is not known whether PA modulates the risk of components of PCOS diagnostic criteria during adolescence.

Methods

We included participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children prospective cohort with objective measurement of PA and sedentary behavior using accelerometry between ages 11 and 15 years, biochemical and clinical measures of hyperandrogenism (serum total testosterone level at 15 years and self-reported hirsutism at 19 years), and self-reported menstrual regularity at 17 years. Two-stage regression models evaluated the association of repeated measures of PA and sedentary behavior with components of PCOS diagnostic criteria.

Results

Among 1,526 singleton girls with accelerometer data and testosterone samples, time spent in light PA was inversely associated with total testosterone (ß = −0.070, 95% CI −0.114, −0.025; nmol/L, per 60 minutes) and continuous hirsutism score (ß = −0.756, 95% CI −1.41, −0.103; per 60 minutes). Conversely, time spent sedentary was associated with higher total testosterone level (ß = 0.052, 95% CI 0.013, 0.090; per 60 minutes) and hirsutism score (ß = 0.668, 95% CI 0.103, 1.23; per 60 minutes). Associations were independent of adiposity, but results for hirsutism were attenuated following adjustment for age at menarche and after stratification by hormonal contraceptive use. No associations were observed with menstrual irregularity, for other PA intensity components, or among users of hormonal contraceptives.

Discussion

More time spent in light intensity physical activity and less time spent sedentary during early adolescence is associated with lower testosterone concentrations and lower hirsutism scores in late adolescence.