Evaluation of Serum Ghrelin, Leptin, and Related Biochemical Parameters in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Fallujah City

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorders among women of reproductive age and is frequently exacerbated by obesity. Alterations in metabolic and hormonal regulators such as ghrelin, leptin, and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) may contribute to the complex pathophysiology observed in affected women. Understanding these biochemical changes within the local population is essential for diagnostic accuracy and clinical management in Fallujah City. Objective To compare serum levels of ghrelin, leptin, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), insulin, glucose, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) between obese women with PCOS and healthy obese controls. Methods This case–control study was performed from October 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, at the Laboratory Department at Fallujah Teaching Hospital , Anbar Governorate,Iraq in addition to several private laboratories in Fallujah City. A total of seventy obese women aged 18–45 years were enrolled and divided into two groups: 35 healthy controls and 35 women diagnosed with PCOS based on ultrasound findings and clinical evaluation by a specialist . Blood samples were collected, centrifuged, and analyzed for insulin, glucose, LH, SHBG, leptin, and ghrelin. Results The findings demonstrated a significant decrease in serum SHBG and ghrelin levels in the PCOS group compared with controls, whereas glucose, insulin, leptin, and LH levels were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion The biochemical profile of obese women with PCOS in this study reveals clear disturbances in both metabolic and hormonal parameters. Reduced ghrelin and SHBG level , alongside increased leptin, insulin, glucose, and LH, highlight the complex metabolic burden associated with PCOS and underscore the importance of early biochemical evaluation in this population.