Exploring Polycystic Ovarian Disease and Its Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics in Young Females

Abstract

Background: The most contentious endocrine disorder affecting women worldwide is called PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Compared to women in the UK, where the incidence of PCOS is between 20% and 25%, Pakistani females had a higher prevalence of 52%.One major limitation of previous community studies was the lack of biochemical and clinical screening.

Objective:  To investigate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of polycystic ovaries (PCO) and associated factors, such as insulin, LH, FSH, oestradiol, testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG in young women.

Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Central Park Medical College, Lahore, from August 1, 2023, to February 1, 2024. Women attending hospitals were informed about the study and underwent ultrasonography to identify PCO. The study included 201 women diagnosed with PCO as the case group and 233 healthy women as the comparison group. After obtaining consent, participants completed questionnaires and underwent hormonal and biochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The average age of the control group was 25.83 ± 4.6 years, while the PCO group had an average age of 27.12 ± 5.52 years, with a significantly higher BMI (p = 0.001). Women with PCO showed increased insulin resistance, higher LH, and oestradiol levels, and reduced FSH. Testosterone levels and free testosterone index did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of women with infertility issues in Pakistan exhibit PCO. Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCO, and effective management of insulin levels may reduce the risk of developing PCOS.