Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous condition accounting for
serious health complications. The present study was conducted to assess the
early clinical, biochemical, and radiological features in obese, non-obese young
women with PCOS as compared to non-PCOS women. The study was conducted on 120
young women (18–22 years) with 80 having features of PCOS [40 obese
(BMI≥25 kg/m2) and 40 non-obese
(BMI<25 kg/m2) PCOS] as cases and 40 without PCOS as
controls in a rural tertiary care center of Northern India over one year
(2017–2018). After enrolment of cases and control, the anthropometric
measurements, early clinical symptoms, and biochemical and ultrasonographic
features were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was done using
SPSS software version 22.0 (p-value<0.05). A significant difference in
anthropometric measurements were observed between obese and non-obese PCOS
cases. Clinical features like acne, acanthosis nigricans, and hirsutism were
more prevalent in obese PCOS as compared to non-obese and controls. On
ultrasound, PCOS cases had a significantly increased number of peripherally
arranged ovarian follicles, and ovarian volume. The LH: FSH ratio was
significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The levels of serum LH
(10.04±1.60 vs. 8.93±2.40 mIU/ml) and total testosterone
(2.71±0.39 vs. 2.21±0.39 pg/ml) were higher in
obese PCOS as compared to non-obese PCOS cases. In conclusion, clinical,
biochemical, and radiological features can be used in the early diagnosis of
PCOS. Obesity is an independent risk factor for PCOS and is associated with an
increased risk of complications.
Key words
hirsutism - hyperandrogenemia - polycystic ovary syndrome - body weight - FSH