Saba Alzabin
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common
cause of female infertility worldwide with unknown aetiology.
It contributes to over 60% of anovulatory infertility.
It affects 1:10 women of reproductive age, and
is associated with several comorbidities such as obesity,
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorders. It
is estimated that over 50% of PCOS is undiagnosed or
misdiagnosed due to its multifactorial nature. Current
diagnosis criteria include hyperandrogenism, oligoovulation
and polycystic ovaries. Predominantly an endocrine
disorder that is caused by a hormonal imbalance,
its significant association with diabesity and metabolic
disease is yet to be appreciated as a major contributor to
its pathogenesis, despite the increase in the unlicensed
prescriptions of anti-diabetic medications, such as metformin,
to control the disorder.
Using a multi-arm questionnaire, we have recruited over
200 women with or without confirmed PCOS diagnosis.
A combination of data related to symptoms, treatment,
outcomes and basal knowledge on the condition has
been collected. Analysis to date show the strongest correlation
of PCOS with diabesity and with clinical decisions
on lifestyle changes despite geographical location or
ethnicity. Results from our study call for a consideration
of PCOS as a disorder on the spectrum of non-communicable
diseases (NCDs). Inclusion of metabolic disease
markers may improve diagnosis and limit unnecessary
pharmaceutical and medical intervention.
