Age-Related Differences in the Reproductive and Metabolic Implications of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Findings in an Obese, United States Population

The study, which included 229 obese women from the United States with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), found age-related differences in the condition's manifestations. Women were divided into three age groups: 18-25 (71 participants), 26-35 (129 participants), and 36-45 (29 participants). Results showed that older women (36-45) had a lower prevalence of biochemical hyperandrogenemia but worse metabolic profiles, with a fourfold increase in the odds of metabolic syndrome compared to younger women. They also had larger waist circumferences and higher levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose. The study suggests that cardiovascular risks in women with PCOS may increase with age, despite a decrease in androgen levels, and that insulin resistance may be independent of hyperandrogenemia. The findings are limited to an obese, urban US population and may not apply to lean women with PCOS. The research indicates that current diagnostic criteria might not adequately detect PCOS in older women, who may have an elevated health risk.