Can a mother’s polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related symptoms be used to predict the future clinical profile of PCOS in her adolescent daughter? A pilot study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to establish whether a mother’s polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms can predict her daughter’s future PCOS clinical profile. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 57 adolescents who attended a paediatric gynaecology clinic between 2017 and 2019 and had an established diagnosis of PCOS according to the 2018 criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. A clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound were performed and the level of total testosterone was measured. A structured questionnaire concerning PCOS symptoms was completed by the girls’ mothers. Results It was found that 51% of girls with PCOS and 44% of their mothers had an elevated body mass index (BMI), and 35% of girls had an increased waist–hip ratio (>0.85). The mother’s BMI significantly predicted her daughter’s BMI and waist–hip ratio. It was reported that 40% of mothers had experienced menstrual irregularities, 50% hirsutism and 67% acne, and 12% had a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS. Conclusion Our study population had several markers of poor metabolic health (increased BMI and waist–hip ratio) that were passed down from mother to daughter. No direct link was found between a mother’s PCOS symptoms and those of her adolescent daughter. In order to establish definitive links between the symptoms of a mother and those of her daughter, a more comprehensive study should be conducted using a larger study sample. Additionally, a follow-up assessment of our studied adolescents would be appropriate to evaluate the progress of their symptoms.