Prevalence and characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Bangladesh – A narrative review

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. PCOS is not a homogeneous disease and can manifest as a range of multifaceted problems, including various reproductive, cosmetic, cardiometabolic, and psychiatric conditions. In Bangladesh, research defining the prevalence and characteristics of PCOS is not ample. This review summarizes the findings from published studies that provide consistent evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of women with PCOS in the country. The small-scale studies conducted among different subgroups of women indicate a high prevalence of the condition. Clinical presentations of PCOS in Bangladeshi women are also highly variable. A substantial portion has obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, which significantly threaten their cardiovascular health. Many of them have co-existent other endocrinopathies, including thyroid abnormalities. Moreover, highly prevalent psychiatric comorbidities among these women warrant routine screening for these conditions.