Polycystic Ovary Syndrome trends: clinical features and associated risk factors among adolescent students

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted medical condition, presents with menstrual and metabolic irregularities along with infertility. Although its incidence varies, affecting millions of women, adolescents are most susceptible.

Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics and associated risk factors among female medical students with PCOS in Hyderabad, Sindh.

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to April 2024, in which a simple random sampling strategy was implemented for selecting female medical students. A total of 185 female students enrolled in first through fifth-year MBBS programs, aged 19 to 24 years were considered. Rotterdam's criteria confirmed the diagnosis of the condition. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, with p≤0.05 indicating significance.

Results: The mean age of participants was 22.6±2.34 years; PCOS was present in 37.3% students, among whom 31.7% had been coping with the condition for over three years. Participants aged 22–24 years had a higher prevalence of PCOS (59.4%). Menstrual irregularities were noted in almost 40% of participants. The difference in the mean age of menarche, BMI, Waist-hip ratio, and hormonal levels was statistically significant among participants with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Adolescent females have a higher incidence of PCOS. Menstrual irregularities are the most typical clinical manifestation of PCOS, whereas the major risk factor is genetic susceptibility.