EXAMINING THE PREVALENCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS TO BIOCHEMICAL AND CLINICAL INDICATORS IN RURAL ADOLESCENT FEMALES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been defined by the National Institute of Health and Rotterdam criteria as a hormonal disorder characterized by the presence of at least one polycystic ovary (accompanied by ovulatory dysfunction and excessive secretion of androgens. According to its suggestions, PCOS in adolescents should include all the three elements of Rotterdam criteria in which oligomenorrhea should be present after two years of menarche or primary amenorrhea at the age of 16 years; polycystic ovaries on ultrasound along with ovarian size of more than 10 cm3 and hyperandrogenemia should be present. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder occurring- in 6- 10% of women of reproductive age, it is characterized by chronic anovulation with either oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhea and hyperandrogenism and is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility and hirsutism.

AIM: Examining the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome and its relationships to biochemical and clinical indicators in rural adolescent females

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study is a descriptive, observational cross-sectional study. After obtaining permission from our Institutional Ethics Committee this study was conducted Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Adolescents age group 10-19 years attending adolescent OPD were included in my study. Informed written consent was obtained prior to conducting the study. In case an individual is lesser than 18 years, consent was obtained from the parent/guardian, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the preliminary data. To assess Hypothalmo- pituitary- ovarian function Serum LH, and FSH levels were measured.  To diagnose disorders of glucose metabolism fasting BSL and Fasting insulin levels were obtained after an 8-12 hrs fast.

RESULTS: A total of 500 adolescent girls satisfying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study to achieve a sample size of 350. Amongst them, 300 adolescent girls volunteered, got enrolled, and underwent clinical examinations, biochemical blood tests, and ultrasound examinations. The mean Fasting BSL, insulin level, and HOMA-IR, in PCOS adolescent girls, were found to differ significantly as compared to Non-PCOS. These mean values were significantly higher in PCOS cases than in Non-PCOS subjects. T3, T4, and TSH showed no significant difference in PCOS adolescents and Non-PCOS girls. There was no association observed between TFT and PCOS.

CONCLUSION: Based on observations in this study, it is clear that PCOS is a common disorder among young adolescents in rural areas. And its prevalence increasing in rural areas also. Menstrual problems are the commonest reason for gynecological OPD consultation among adolescent girls. Childhood obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and the popularity of junk food in adolescence are responsible for the increasing PCOS incidence in adolescent girls and is a challenge for gynecologists treating them.

KEYWORDS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, National Institute of Health, Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian Morphology, sex hormone binding globulin.