Rising Incidence, Health Resource Utilization, and Costs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Context: Trends in incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and effects on health resource utilization are unclear. Objective: To describe trends in prevalence and incidence of PCOS in the United Kingdom. To establish healthcare resource use and associated costs. Methods: Data were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and Hospital Episode Statistics databases. Point prevalence and incidence were calculated (2004-2020). Patients with PCOS were matched to controls (1:1) by age, body mass index, and primary care practice. Primary care contacts were assigned an average cost and prescription items assigned a net ingredient cost. Inpatient admissions and outpatient consultations were processed into healthcare resource groups and costed to the national tariff. Results: PCOS incidence increased from 1.22 per 1000 person years in 2004 to 1.77 (2012) and 2.20 (2019). Point prevalence increased from 1.02% (2004) to 2.2% (2012) and 3.5% (2020), and was highest in Asians. Mean contacts per person year (ppy) for patients with PCOS vs controls were 0.48 vs 0.29 for inpatients (P