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The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women

Koivunen R et al., 1999

Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 78(2), 137-141

Source

Abstract

Background

To study the prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in women of reproductive age.

Methods

A total of 189 healthy volunteers aged 20-45 years were examined. The subjects were divided into two groups according to age: < or =35 and > or =36 years. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed and blood samples were collected on cycle day 1-6.

Results

The prevalence of PCO in the entire study population was 14.2% (27/189). In the age group of < or =35 years the prevalence was 21.6% (19/88) and in the age group of > or =36 years 7.8% (8/101). Compared to women with normal ovaries, those with PCO had significantly higher serum testosterone (T) concentrations. Women with PCO tended to have lower serum FSH concentrations and higher LH/FSH ratios than controls. Women with PCO had significantly more irregular cycles (44% vs. 19%, p=0.001) and problems in conceiving (25.9% vs. 9.2%, p=0.01) than women with normal ovaries.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that the prevalence of PCO in healthy women varies with age, being more common among women aged < or =35 years than in those aged > or =36 years. Although the hormonal parameters and clinical findings among women with PCO mimicked those of PCOS, it remains unclear if these women will later develop full-blown syndrome.

Topics

PCOS > Diagnosis > Ultrasound CriteriaPCOS > Epidemiology > Prevalence StudiesDiagnostics > Imaging > Transvaginal Ultrasound
polycystic ovaries prevalence healthy women ultrasound, PCO prevalence reproductive age transvaginal ultrasonography, polycystic ovarian morphology normal population screening, PCO age-related prevalence testosterone levels, polycystic ovaries irregular cycles subfertility association, Koivunen polycystic ovaries healthy volunteers Finland, PCOS versus polycystic ovarian morphology healthy women, LH FSH ratio polycystic ovaries asymptomatic women, PCO prevalence younger versus older women, polycystic ovary syndrome progression risk healthy women

Cite this article

Koivunen, R., Laatikainen, T., Tomás, C., Huhtaniemi, I., Tapanainen, J., & Martikainen, H. (1999). The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in healthy women. *Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica*, *78*(2), 137-141.

Keywords

Adult, Age Factors, Female, Finland/epidemiology, Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood, Gonadal Steroid Hormones/blood, Humans, Luteinizing Hormone/blood, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood/diagnostic Imaging/epidemiology, Prevalence, Testosterone/blood, Ultrasonography/methods, Vagina, Gonadal Steroid Hormones, Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone

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