Chapter 43: Polycystic Ovarian Disease
PCOS > Diagnosis > Rotterdam CriteriaPCOS > Diagnosis > PhenotypesPCOS > Pathophysiology > Insulin Resistance
The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women
Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 78(2), 137-141
Abstract
Background
To study the prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in women of reproductive age.
Methods
A total of 189 healthy volunteers aged 20-45 years were examined. The subjects were divided into two groups according to age: < or =35 and > or =36 years. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed and blood samples were collected on cycle day 1-6.
Results
The prevalence of PCO in the entire study population was 14.2% (27/189). In the age group of < or =35 years the prevalence was 21.6% (19/88) and in the age group of > or =36 years 7.8% (8/101). Compared to women with normal ovaries, those with PCO had significantly higher serum testosterone (T) concentrations. Women with PCO tended to have lower serum FSH concentrations and higher LH/FSH ratios than controls. Women with PCO had significantly more irregular cycles (44% vs. 19%, p=0.001) and problems in conceiving (25.9% vs. 9.2%, p=0.01) than women with normal ovaries.
Conclusions
The findings demonstrate that the prevalence of PCO in healthy women varies with age, being more common among women aged < or =35 years than in those aged > or =36 years. Although the hormonal parameters and clinical findings among women with PCO mimicked those of PCOS, it remains unclear if these women will later develop full-blown syndrome.
Topics
Cite this article
Koivunen, R., Laatikainen, T., Tomás, C., Huhtaniemi, I., Tapanainen, J., & Martikainen, H. (1999). The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women. *Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica*, *78*(2), 137-141.
Koivunen R, Laatikainen T, Tomás C, Huhtaniemi I, Tapanainen J, Martikainen H. The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1999;78(2):137-141.
Koivunen, Riitta, et al. "The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women." *Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica*, vol. 78, no. 2, 1999, pp. 137-141.
Keywords
Adult, Age Factors, Female, Finland, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Gonadal Steroid Hormones, Humans, Luteinizing Hormone, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Prevalence, Testosterone, Ultrasonography, Vagina