oa The incidence of of polycystic ovary syndrome among reproductive females in the state of Qatar: A cross-sectional study

Background & Objectives: Stein-Leventhal syndrome commonly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive females. PCOS is a multisystem challenge causing not only gynecological issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism and infertility but also causing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence of PCOS among reproductive females at Qatar University using the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Rotterdam consensus (Rott.) and the Androgen Excess Society (AES) criteria to determine the common phenotypes and hormonal parameters found in Qatar. Our aim was also to conduct a community-based study to make up for the lack of work done in female healthcare. Methods: A sample size of 121 females between the ages of 18-25 years were evaluated for symptoms of PCOS using family history of PCOS, body mass index and hormonal analysis. The sample was divided into the following four groups: control (n= 49), irregular menstrual cycles only (n= 13) , hyperandrogenism only (n= 27) and PCOS group (n= 31). Blood was drawn for measurement of TSH, progesterone, insulin, estradiol, SHBG, testosterone, DHEAS and prolactin. Modified Ferriman-Gallwey score was used for the evaluation of hirsutism. Results: The incidence of PCOS was found to be 25.83% (n= 31) using the Rotterdam criteria. Lower values were achieved using AES (20.83%, n= 25) and NIH (19.17%, n =23) definitions. Among our PCOS group, 16.13% (n= 5) were Qataris, 48.39% (n= 15) were Asians, 22.58% (n= 7) were Africans and 12.90% (n= 4) Europeans. Among the clinical features, family history of PCOS (p=0.037), hirsutism (p= 0) and irregular menstrual cycles (p= 0) were found to be significant factors in the PCOS group. Biochemical analysis showed elevated testosterone, elevated DHEAS and decreased SHBG hormones to be significant factors found in the PCOS group. Insulin and prolactin did not show any significant differences between the groups. Four individuals from the PCOS group were aware of their condition while 87% were unaware of their condition. Conclusions: Our study revealed a fairly significant prevalence of PCOS in the region and indicated a lack of awareness among people about their condition. There is need for government initiatives towards adequate investigations, management and treatment of PCOS.