rocknroll

So i always felt alone with my PCOS, then when i discovered what it was all about..i thought this could nto be possible that only 10 percent of women have it , i was seeing women with pcos symptoms every where. among my friends also with different forms and symptoms...apparently i was right...read this


How common is it?

Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may affect between 5% and 26% of women of reproductive age [Hopkinson et al, 1998; Michelmore et al, 1999]. However, estimates of 'true' prevalence must be made with caution as there has been no overall consensus concerning the diagnostic criteria. Most clinical data have originated from specialized clinics and thus may not reflect the prevalence in the general population [RCOG, 2003].
  • In a cross-sectional observational study on 224 female volunteers (aged 18–25 years) who had polycystic ovaries identified on ultrasound, the prevalence of PCOS was as low as 8% or as high as 26% depending on the diagnostic criteria used [Michelmore et al, 1999].
• Most studies have been conducted on white populations. The prevalence may be higher in Asian populations.
  • A study of 212 women aged 18–40 years from the Indian subcontinent, selected from GPs' lists in the UK, found a prevalence of polycystic ovaries of 52%. Menstrual disturbance was reported by 49% of those with polycystic ovaries, but only by 16% of those who did not have polycystic ovaries [Rodin et al, 1998].
  • A cross-sectional observational study on two cohorts of South Asian and white European women with anovular PCOS, who were seeking treatment for infertility, found that the South Asian women sought treatment at a younger age, had more severe symptoms, and had higher fasting insulin concentrations and lower insulin sensitivity [Wijeyaratne et al, 2002].

Prevalence of polycystic ovaries

• The number of women of reproductive age found to have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound scan varies between 22% and 33%, depending on the population screened:
  • In the cross-sectional observational study on 224 female volunteers (aged 18–25 years), 74 women (33%) had polycystic ovaries identified on ultrasound scan [Michelmore et al, 1999].
  • In a random sample of women who replied to postal invitations, 41/190 (22%) had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound scan [Clayton et al, 1992].
  • Polycystic ovaries were seen on ultrasound scans in 57/257 (22%) of female volunteers [Polson et al, 1988]. Of those not taking oral contraception, 116 had normal ovaries and 115 of these had regular menses (one woman had irregular menses). Polycystic ovaries were found in 33 women, and of these, 25 women had irregular menses, and 8 had regular menses.