Full investigation of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presenting to four different clinical specialties reveals significant differences and undiagnosed morbidity
- 17 November 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Human Fertility
- Vol. 14 (4), 261-265
- https://doi.org/10.3109/14647273.2011.632058
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms in patients from four different specialist clinics. A prospective cross-sectional observational study. The study was conducted at the infertility, gynaecology, endocrine and dermatology clinics at Leeds General Infirmary, U.K. Seventy women presenting with features of PCOS: 20 from infertility, 17 from gynaecology, 17 from dermatology and 16 from endocrine clinics. Participants were assessed for symptoms and signs of PCOS and underwent a full endocrine and metabolic profile and a pelvic ultrasound scan. All subjects had experienced menstrual problems, 81% were overweight, 86% had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, 56% had hirsutism, 53% had acne, 23% had acanthosis nigricans, 16% had alopecia and 38% had previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes. A significant difference between the four clinic groups existed with regard to menstrual patterns (p = 0.0234), frequency distribution of presenting symptoms and the percentages of patients with PCOS who had already been diagnosed as having PCOS (p = 0.0088). This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the full spectrum of PCOS as presented to different specialty clinics. Not only is the syndrome under diagnosed but also are the significant associated morbidities such as IGT and type 2 diabetes. Different specialists need to appreciate the spectrum of health problems for women with PCOS that may extend beyond the specific symptoms that precipitated the initial referral.Keywords
This publication has 13 references indexed in Scilit:
- Defining polycystic ovary syndromeBMJ, 2009
- Cardiometabolic risk in polycystic ovary syndrome: a comparison of different approaches to defining the metabolic syndromeHuman Reproduction, 2008
- Health-related quality of life measurement in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic reviewHuman Reproduction Update, 2007
- Definitions, prevalence and symptoms of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndromeBest Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2004
- Ultrasound assessment of the polycystic ovary: international consensus definitionsHuman Reproduction Update, 2003
- What is polycystic ovary syndrome?: Are national views important?Human Reproduction, 2002
- Prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Diabetes Care, 1999
- Ovulation induction: The effects of ovulation induction with gonadotrophins on the ovary and uterus and implications for assisted reproductionHuman Reproduction, 1995
- A prospective study of the prevalence of clear‐cut endocrine disorders and polycystic ovaries in 350 patients presenting with hirsutism or androgenic alopeciaClinical Endocrinology, 1994
- Prevalence of polycystic ovaries in women with anovulation and idiopathic hirsutism.BMJ, 1986