Publication:

Polycystic ovary syndrome in Indian women: clinical spectrum and determinants from a regional multicenter study in Vidarbha region, Maharashtra, India

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological implications. Despite its high prevalence in Indian women, region-specific data on its clinical and metabolic spectrum remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentation, anthropometric markers, metabolic profile, and phenotypic distribution of PCOS among adolescents and infertile women.

Methods This cross-sectional retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across five centers between January 2022 and January 2023. A total of 309 women aged 14-32 years, diagnosed with PCOS, were enrolled. Data on demographic, reproductive, anthropometric, hormonal, biochemical, and ultrasonographic parameters were collated and analysed.

Results The mean age of participants was 23.1±5.3 years, with mean menarche at 13.2±1.6 years. Among 153 married women, infertility duration averaged 3.2±2.5 years, with 90% reporting primary infertility. Ovulatory dysfunction was observed in 75.1%, hyperandrogenism in 46.3%, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) in 50.5%. Acne (46.3%) and acanthosis nigricans (36.2%) were frequent findings. The mean BMI was 25.4±5.3 kg/m², with 73.8% classified as overweight/obese. Neck circumference (33.6±4.0 cm) and wrist circumference (16.7±2.2 cm) showed correlation with insulin resistance. Among adolescents (n=156), hyperandrogenism was present in 55.8%, ovulatory dysfunction in 78%, and 20.5% showed PCOM.

Conclusions PCOS in Vidarbha women shows early onset, high ovulatory dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance, and adverse metabolic risks. Age-specific phenotypic variability underscores its evolving nature, necessitating early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and comprehensive management to reduce reproductive and cardiometabolic complications.