Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and related disorders in mexican women

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2010;69(4):274-80. doi: 10.1159/000277640. Epub 2010 Jan 25.

Abstract

Background/aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been found to affect 4-8% of women of reproductive age; however, in Mexican-Americans a prevalence of 12.8% has been reported. This study determines the prevalence of PCOS in a sample of Mexican women.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 150 female Mexican volunteers aged 20-45 years. Menstrual cycles were recorded and hirsutism was graded. Pelvic ultrasound was performed and androgen levels were measured. PCOS was diagnosed by hyperandrogenism and/or hyperandrogenemia, and oligo-ovulation (NIH 1990 criteria), and also by 2 of 3 findings: oligo-ovulation, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries (PCO) (Rotterdam 2003 criteria), excluding other disorders.

Results: Nine of the 150 women were diagnosed with PCOS, a prevalence of 6.0% (95% CI: 1.9-10.1%), according to NIH criteria. The ultrasound morphology added one patient to give ten PCOS patients, a prevalence of 6.6% (95% CI: 2.3-10.9%) according to Rotterdam criteria. All PCOS patients presented oligo-ovulation, 9 had hirsutism and 7 of them had acne. Eight of the 10 PCOS patients had morphologic characteristics of PCO.

Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS in Mexican women is approximately 6.0%, similar to other populations, but lower than 12.8% reported in Mexican-American women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / epidemiology
  • Adult
  • Androgens / blood
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hirsutism / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / epidemiology
  • Mexican Americans
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovary / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovulation
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography
  • United States

Substances

  • Androgens