Brown Adipose Tissue Modulation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using Infrared Thermography

This study will investigate brown adipose tissue-related physiological responses in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS who have normal body mass index, women with PCOS who are overweight or have obesity, and healthy women will be compared. Brown adipose tissue-related heat responses will be evaluated using non-invasive infrared thermography of the supraclavicular region, together with serum UCP-1 levels and metabolic measurements. Participants in the overweight/obesity PCOS group will receive an inositol supplement for 12 weeks, and measurements will be repeated after supplementation. The study will also examine possible relationships between surface temperature responses, dietary intake, physical activity, body measurements, and metabolic and hormonal markers.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18-40 years * Premenopausal status * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent * For the Overweight/Obesity PCOS - Inositol and Normal-BMI PCOS Reference Group arms: * Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) established by an obstetrician and gynecologist according to the Rotterdam criteria * For the Normal-BMI PCOS Reference Group arm: * BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² * For the Overweight/Obesity PCOS - Inositol arm: * BMI ≥25 kg/m² * For the Healthy Control Group arm: * BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² * Regular menstrual cycles * Normal ovarian morphology * No diagnosis of PCOS Exclusion Criteria: * Male sex * Age ≤17 years or ≥41 years * Menopausal status * BMI \