Longitudinal 15-year follow-up of women with former early puberty: abnormal metabolic profiles not associated with earlier age at onset of puberty, but associated with obesity

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2011, we described 104 girls who were diagnosed as early puberty (EP) during 2003–2005. In 2019–2020, the former EP women had been followed up 14 years after attaining their final height. Objective To determine the reproductive function and metabolic profiles of former EP women. Study design Fifty-seven former EP women were evaluated for reproductive function and examined for health status. Blood samples were obtained for metabolic profiles of glucose, lipids and insulin, and testosterone levels. Results In 2020, the average age of the study women was 22.9 ± 1.7 years. The average height was 156.7 ± 5.6 cm. The average weight had increased from 52.5 ± 7.8 kg in 2011 to 58.5 ± 11.1 kg in 2020 and average body mass index (BMI) from 21.4 ± 2.9 to 23.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2. Obesity (BMI>25 kg/m2) was found in 8.8% (five participants) in 2011 and had increased to 22.8% (13 participants) in 2020. Most participants (79%) had regular menstrual cycle. Of the 17 married women, 4 (23.5%) had 1–2 children. Dividing the participants into obese and nonobese groups, the average fasting plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and testosterone levels were similar in both groups. However, the average systolic blood pressure and the serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR assessments were significantly higher in the obese group than in the nonobese group. Conclusion The former EP women had normal menstruation and reproductive function. The former EP women with average BMI at the follow-up had normal metabolic profiles while those who later became obese had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR assessments.