A STUDY ON RISK FACTORS AND COMPLICATIONS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, involving pathways that produce metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular and dermatologic effects. As per 2003 Rotterdam criteria, the symptoms like oligo-or anovulation, hyper-androgenism, polycystic ovarian morphology on transvaginal ultrasonography are used establish a definitive diagnosis. The exact cause is still unknown and may be caused by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. In this present observational study, we have evaluated the risk factors and associated complications in patients of PCOS in a tertiary care hospital in Karimnagar, Telangana.  A total of 103 female PCOS patients were enrolled for duration of 6 months by following inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study after seeking their consent.  The study results revealed that most of the females of the 21-30 age group, with 52%, were diagnosed with PCOS. Most of the patients reported abnormalities in lifestyle factors such as 66% of physical inactivity, 34.9% of inadequate sleep, 55.3% of stress, and 58.2% of unhealthy diet. 31% of patients were reported overweight. The present study reveals that most of the patients were found to have a high percentage of acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning; menstrual cycle irregularities such as oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea, which are clinical factors of hyperandrogenism; and 9.7% of females were found to have a positive family history of PCOS, which reveals genetic predisposition. This study also finds that 54.1% of females with infertility and 18.7% of females with miscarriage, which are complications of PCOS, if the disease is untreated or neglected.