Frequency of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Associated Hormonal Abnormalities in Obese Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder that disproportionately affects obese women of reproductive age. Despite increasing global awareness, regional epidemiological data remain limited, particularly in South Asian populations. This study aimed to determine the frequency of PCOS and associated hormonal abnormalities among obese women in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Department of Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital. A total of 132 obese females aged 20–40 years were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Hormonal abnormalities such as chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology were assessed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with stratification and post-stratification tests applied to evaluate effect modifiers. Results: PCOS was diagnosed in 67.4% (n=89) of participants. Among these, chronic anovulation was present in 78.7%, hyperandrogenism in 70.8%, and polycystic ovarian morphology in 100%. PCOS was significantly more prevalent in women aged 26–35 years (p=0.016), married women (p=0.037), and urban residents (p=0.048). No significant associations were found with education or profession. Conclusion: The high frequency of PCOS and associated hormonal dysfunctions among obese women underscores the need for targeted screening and early intervention strategies in high-risk populations. Lifestyle modifications and multidisciplinary management approaches should be prioritized to mitigate long-term complications.