Risk Factors of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Bangladeshi Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and ovarian cyst formation. As the most common endocrine disorder in this demographic, understanding its risk factors is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with PCOS among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a district-level hospital at Cox's Bazar from January 2023 to December 2023. As study subjects, 60 women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), aged between 15 and 45 years, were included in the case group. Additionally, 60 age-matched healthy women were randomly selected for the control group. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 23.0. Results: In this study, in risk factor analysis, BMI (Body Mass Index; p=0.023), education level (p=0.013), regular tea drinking (0.030), marital status (p=0.034), gravidity (p=0.017), parity (p=0.003), family relationship (p<0.001), family history of PCOS (p=0.006), diabetes (p<0.001), family history of infertility (p=0.006), and mother's irregular menstruation (p=0.003) showed notable significance. Additionally, lack of physical exercise was significantly associated with the case group (p=0.030). Conclusion: Common risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among Bangladeshi women encompass various factors such as lower education levels, unmarried status, lower gravidity and parity, poor family relationships, insufficient physical exercise, family history of PCOS, diabetes, and infertility, along with a mother's irregular menstruation