Age matters: Demographic insights into polycystic ovarian syndrome across generations

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to delve into demographic insights of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients, examining its prevalence, symptoms, and impacts across generations. METHODS: The study population included all the women in the age group between 15 and 45 years who were diagnosed as having PCOS using the Rotterdam definition. The participants were divided into three groups according to their age. Obstetric index and clinical features of hyperandrogenism (HA) were collected in a structured format. Anthropometric variables and biochemical investigations were performed. Categorical data were presented as percentages (%). Normally distributed data were presented as means and standard deviation (SD) or 95% confidence interval. Bivariate analysis (Chi-squared test) was done for studying the association between selected sociodemographic and other variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 26.8 with the minimum age being 15 years; maximum age was 42 years, and SD was 6.102. There was a significant difference in the weight of the patients across the three age groups. HA was more common in the above 30-year age category. However, ovulatory dysfunction was more common in the 21–30 age category. Menstrual irregularity was more commonly present in the below 21-year age category and was the most common complaint among all the age categories. The maximum serum fasting insulin and fasting glucose values among the above 30-year age group were 14.786 ± 7.06 and 102.96 ± 22.95, respectively. There was a significant difference between the three age categories. Maximum 2-h oral glucose tolerance test value was also in the above 30-year age category (130.073 ± 15.78). CONCLUSION: Menstrual irregularity was more common among the younger (<21 years) patients, whereas hyperandrogenic features were more commonly present in the above 30-year age group patients.