CLINICAL, DERMATOLOGICAL, AND HORMONAL CORRELATES OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder. This study aimed to assess the clinical, menstrual, obstetric, and endocrine profiles of women with PCOS in comparison to healthy controls ascertained from Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Materials & Methods: In a cross-sectional case-control study design, 204 PCOS patients and 150 controls were recruited from tertiary care hospitals. PCOS was diagnosed per Rotterdam criteria. Descriptive statistics was employed.

Results: Dermatological manifestations were significantly more prevalent among PCOS cases: hirsutism (Odd ratios, OR: 60.4), acne (OR: 11.2), alopecia (OR: 23.4), seborrhea (OR: 11.7), and acanthosis nigricans (OR: 58.8). Menstrual irregularities like oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea cases were significantly more common among PCOS cases. Abortions and miscarriages were slightly more common among cases, though not statistically significant. Endocrine profiling showed significantly lower FSH levels and higher LH, testosterone, and estradiol levels in PCOS cases. Serum leptin and insulin levels were also significantly elevated, indicating metabolic disturbances. Hirsutism correlated positively with serum testosterone levels in both groups, emphasizing the role of androgen excess in PCOS. Age-stratified analyses of PCOS individuals revealed significant association between waist-and-hip circumference and FSH and LH levels in older age patients.

Conclusions: This study highlights the multifaceted clinical and hormonal disturbances in PCOS and underscores the diagnostic value of dermatological features and endocrine markers. These findings also suggest that PCOS manifestations and hormonal imbalances vary with age, emphasizing the need for age-specific diagnostic and management approaches.