Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Flo App Users Around the World

March 2021 in “ Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ”

Tarun Jain, Olivia Negris, Dannielle Brown, Isabel Galic, Rodion Salimgaraev, Liudmila Zhaunova

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS bloating high blood cholesterol high glucose levels Body Mass Index BMI Rotterdam criteria PCOS diagnosis PCOS phenotype

TLDR Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms vary globally, with bloating, high cholesterol, and glucose levels being common; the current diagnostic criteria may need refining.

The study analyzed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms in 416,712 Flo app users across 142 countries, with the largest number of respondents from the US, UK, India, Philippines, and Australia. The most frequently reported symptom was bloating, which, along with high blood cholesterol and glucose levels, was a top predictor of PCOS. As Body Mass Index (BMI) increased, the percentage of women with a self-reported PCOS diagnosis also increased, except in India. The study found that the most frequently reported symptoms were broader than those included in the Rotterdam criteria, suggesting that the PCOS diagnostic criteria need to be reevaluated and refined. The study also found variations in PCOS symptoms across countries, indicating the influence of environmental and/or genetic factors on the PCOS phenotype.

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research Ethnicity, Obesity, and the Prevalence of Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes in PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

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research Comprehensive Overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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research Clinical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Investigating Differences in White and South Asian Women

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research The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Evolutionary Paradox: A Genome-Wide Association Studies-Based, In Silico, Evolutionary Explanation

47 citations , November 2014 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

The research suggests that the global distribution of PCOS is likely due to historical human migration and that genes affecting PCOS may have different impacts on males and females.

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 A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka

120 citations , June 2008 in “American Journal of Epidemiology”

A simple screening method found that 6.3% of women in a semiurban area in Sri Lanka have polycystic ovary syndrome, with most showing menstrual irregularities.

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.

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85 citations , June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.

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

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

2 / 2 results

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

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Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.