Frequency of the Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Iranian Adolescents (Mashhad) based on Rotterdam Criteria in 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Due to the fact that PCOS starts from adolescence, this study was conducted with aim to investigate the prevalence of this syndrome and its phenotypes based on Rotterdam criteria in adolescent girls in Mashhad.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 650 girls aged 14 to 19 years in public schools of Mashhad in 2018-2019. Sampling was performed as a multi-stage classified cluster. After completing the Individual and Demographic Information Questionnaire, if they had criteria for entering the study, a clinical examination was performed to investigate the clinical symptoms of hyperandrogenism, including hirsutism, acne, and hair loss with the male pattern, and if any of the above symptoms were positive, they were referred for hormonal tests and sonography. The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and its phenotypes was made based on Rotterdam criteria. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and Chi-square and Fisher tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Frequency of quadruple phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome based on Rotterdam criteria included phenotype A(clinical hyperandrogenism / biochemistry + polycystic ovary) was found in 3 people (7.7%), phenotype B (menstrual disorders + clinical hyperandrogenism / biochemistry) in 11 (28.2%), phenotype C (menstrual disorders + polycystic ovaries) in 14 (35.9%) and phenotype D (menstrual disorders + clinical hyperandrogenism / biochemistry + polycystic ovaries) in 11(28.2%). The overall prevalence of PCOs was 6.8% based on Rotterdam criteria.

Due to the prevalence of four phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome and the similarity of symptoms with clinical manifestations of adolescence, it is better to start the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome from adolescence.