Assessment of Anogenital Distance as a Diagnostic Tool in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

December 2018 in “ Reproductive Biomedicine Online ”

Ana I. Hernández-Peñalver, María Luisa Sánchez-Ferrer, Jaime Mendiola, Evdochia Adoamnei, María T Prieto-Sánchez, Shiana Corbalán-Biyang, Ana Carmona-Barnosi, A. Nieto, Alberto M. Torres-Cantero

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS anogenital distance AGD anogenital distance from the upper verge of the anus to the anterior clitoral surface AGDAC oligo/amenorrhoea polycystic ovarian morphology O + POM androgen exposure

TLDR Measuring the distance from the anus to the clitoris may moderately help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, especially in certain cases.

The study conducted on 126 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 159 controls investigated the use of anogenital distance (AGD) as a diagnostic tool for PCOS. It found that the anogenital distance from the upper verge of the anus to the anterior clitoral surface (AGDAC) was significantly longer in women with PCOS across all phenotypes, with P-values ranging from < 0.001 to 0.048. The highest diagnostic accuracy was observed for the oligo/amenorrhoea + polycystic ovarian morphology (O + POM) phenotype, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62, sensitivity of 50.0%, and specificity of 73.0%. These results suggest that AGDAC measurements could be a moderately effective clinical tool for diagnosing PCOS, especially for the O + POM phenotype, and may indicate intrauterine androgen exposure. However, the study recommends further research to validate these findings in different populations.

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research Presence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with Longer Anogenital Distance in Adult Mediterranean Women

42 citations , August 2017 in “Human Reproduction”

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have a longer distance between the clitoris and anus.

research The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Position Statement from the European Society of Endocrinology

467 citations , October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology”

The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.

research Elevated Serum Androstenedione Is Associated With a More Severe Phenotype in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

28 citations , April 2014 in “Hormones”

Higher androstenedione levels in women with PCOS are linked to more severe symptoms.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , January 2004 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.