Prevalence and Accurate Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents Across World Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

September 2024 in “ European Journal of Endocrinology ”

Adriana C. H. Neven, Maria Forslund, Sanjeeva Ranashinha, Aya Mousa, Chau Thien Tay, Alexia Peña, Sharon Oberfield, Selma F. Witchel, Helena Teede, Jacqueline Boyle

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS polycystic ovarian morphology PCOM hyperandrogenism irregular cycles

TLDR PCOS affects about 6.3% of teens globally, and ongoing checks are advised for those with irregular cycles or high androgen levels.

This systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents informed the 2023 International PCOS Guideline. The study found a global PCOS prevalence of 6.3% using the Guideline criteria, compared to 9.8% with the Rotterdam criteria, which includes polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). The exclusion of PCOM, which can overlap with normal pubertal changes, aims to reduce over-diagnosis. To prevent under-diagnosis, the Guideline suggests that adolescents with irregular cycles or hyperandrogenism be considered "at risk" and recommends ongoing evaluations into adulthood.

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