A hospital-based comparative study of clinical profile of polycystic ovarian syndrome in rural versus urban adolescent girls

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder which is associated with increased risk of development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and gynaecological cancers in later life. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the difference in the prevalence of PCOS in urban and rural north Indian adolescent girls aged 12–19 years. Materials and Methods: Fifty each urban and rural adolescent girls aged between 12 and 19 years presenting to the Gynaecology Outpatient Department with varied menstrual complaints were included in the study. Clinical history, menstrual history, chief complaints, sociodemographic history and history of physical activity were taken. Clinical examination and anthropometric measurements were taken. Ultrasonography for polycystic ovaries was done. Biochemical examination was also done. Results: The prevalence of PCOS symptoms was higher in urban group than in rural group. The environmental determinants of PCOS, i.e., obesity, an obesogenic diet and lack of physical activity, were more prevalent in urban group than rural group. Conclusion: Modification of environmental factors in both urban and rural populations at this younger age group can lead to overall reduction in the prevalence of PCOS and long-term complication associated with it like type 2 diabetes mellitus, endometrial cancer and cardiovascular disease.