A Review Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Prevalence In The Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is still an enigma. It is the most common disorder in about 5-18 % of women. It is associated with hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorders predisposing to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.It is an iceberg of future catastrophe. The aim is to study the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome and pathophysiology of risk factors to avoid complications in the future. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Research Gate and Web of Science to find published studies reporting the prevalence and diagnostic criteria for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) up to September 2024. The search utilized the following terms: "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome," "Prevalence," "Diagnostic Criteria," and "Hyperandrogenism”. The inclusion criteria for the study was based on NIH and Rotterdam for PCOS published in English till 2024.The diagnostic criteria for PCOS is changing from time to time. In 1990, the criteria by National Institute of Health was followed. In 2003, Rotterdam criteria was followed. In 2006, Androgen Excess Society criteria were given showing clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism with either oligo/anovulation or polycystic ovaries. Results: The results showed that highest prevalence was found in West Bengal with 28% and the least in Haryana with 4.17%. Conclusion: A universal screening in general population is a must especially in developing countries due to increase in the incidence of metabolic syndrome among the population especially in India.