Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected women from southern China
TLDR Many women in southern China have polycystic ovary syndrome, with some symptoms differing from Western women.
The study, conducted 15 years ago, assessed 915 unselected women of reproductive age in southern China for the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), finding a prevalence rate of 2.2%. Women with PCOS had higher levels of luteinizing hormone, LH/FSH ratios, and fasting insulin levels, along with lower fasting glucose/insulin ratios compared to those without PCOS. The prevalence rates were lower than those reported in some Western countries, and while menstrual dysfunction was consistent with other studies, hirsutism was less prevalent in this Chinese population. The study highlighted the importance of considering ethnic differences in PCOS characteristics and prevalence.
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