Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Prevalence and Impact on the Wellbeing of Australian Women Aged 16-29 Years

October 2017 in “ Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology ”

L. Chitra Varanasi, Asvini K Subasinghe, Yasmin Jayasinghe, Emma T. Callegari, Suzanne M. Garland, Alexandra Gorelik, John D. Wark

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS National Institutes of Health criteria NIH criteria fertility issues

TLDR Many young Australian women think they have PCOS, but only a few are diagnosed correctly, causing unnecessary worry.

The study investigated the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in a sample of Australian women aged 16-29 and its impact on their wellbeing. It found a 12% prevalence rate using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria, with a discrepancy between self-reported PCOS (8%) and NIH criteria diagnosis (12%). The study revealed that only 35% of self-reported cases were confirmed by NIH criteria, indicating potential over-diagnosis and the resulting unnecessary stress, particularly concerning fertility issues. The research, which included 254 participants for NIH criteria prevalence and 300 for self-reported prevalence, highlighted the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and better education on PCOS to prevent undue anxiety.

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Research cited in this study

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Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

1514 citations, December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility”

Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.

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

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

1744 citations, August 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

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.

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Aspects

27 citations, April 1996 in “Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism”

The document says that understanding the causes of PCOS is important for treatment, especially in distinguishing the syndrome from just having cystic ovaries, and that losing weight is key for obese women with PCOS.