Prevalence of self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome and profiles of health among women of different generations: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered a lifelong disorder, very little is understood about the diagnosis and impact of this condition in women outside of the peak reproductive years. We examined the frequency of diagnosed PCOS and concurrent health conditions in women across the lifespan. Methods: Data were analysed from 1509 women aged 15–95 years participating in a cross-sectional, face-to-face population survey in South Australia, 2015. We assessed the prevalence of PCOS in 10-year age groups and the frequency of comorbidities in women with and without PCOS subgrouped by age (< 45, ≥ 45 years). The main outcome measures were Diagnosed PCOS and other chronic conditions; lifestyle factors. Logistic regression analyses determined the risk of comorbidities in women with PCOS adjusting for age and BMI. Results: Overall prevalence of PCOS was 5.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6–6.9%), peaking in the 35–44 year age group (9.1%), and lowest in those aged 15–24 (4.1%) or ≥ 65 (3.7%) years. Women with PCOS and aged < 45 years were more likely to report diabetes (16.7% vs. 3.8%), cardiovascular disease (15.5% vs. 7.2%) and arthritis (15.5% vs. 7.2%) than their peers; these differences were diminished in the ≥ 45 year age group. The odds of diabetes and cardiovascular disease were more than doubled among women with PCOS (adjOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.49–4.31; adjOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.31–7.68). Conclusion: PCOS is underdiagnosed in young and post-menopausal women. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are key comorbidities requiring greater attention in younger women with PCOS.