Prevalence of PCOS with Associated Symptoms and Complications at Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PCOS among different gynecological disorders at tertiary care hospital of Karachi and to assess the most frequent presenting complaint with associated complications among them.

Study Design: Single-centered cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Gynecological clinic of Karachi at a Tertiary care Hospital during 3rd December 2018 to 29th March 2019.

Methodology: Total 335 premenopausal women approached the clinic with different gynecological disorders during the period of four months and 305 patients agreed to participate. The patients were enrolled via convenient sampling technique. After taking the informed consent they were evaluated through clinical interviews, questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. The diagnosis of PCOS was made by using Rotterdam criteria 2003. Menstrual irregularities were assessed via history. Clinical hyperandrogenism was evaluated by using modified Ferriman–Gallwey scale and Acne Global Grading System. Obesity was calculated through BMI. The Hamilton scale was used to appraise associated psychological disturbances.

Results: PCOS was the most prevalent gynecological disorder (55.41%) among women of the premenopausal age. Overall, the most frequent presenting complaint was infertility but age related variations in symptoms showed that young adolescent and adulthood had more menstruation irregularities while, in late adolescent the chief complaint was infertility. Moreover, these patients were either overweight 32% or obese 46.2%. Other associated problems such as anxiety and migraine were more frequent in young adults and juveniles respectively.

Conclusion: PCOS is the most common gynecological problem in our region. These women usually presents with altered complains that influence their physiological and psychological health which in turn effects the quality of life.