The prevalence and metabolic characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome in the Qatari population

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the Qatari population is unknown and hence the estimated impact on the local population cannot be determined. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and metabolic features of PCOS among Qatari women. DESIGN: Cross sectional analysis. PATIENTS: 3,017 Qatari subjects volunteered to be phenotyped and genotyped for the Qatar Biobank from which all women between the ages of 18–40 years were identified (750). MEASUREMENTS: 720 women had testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) measurements. PCOS was diagnosed according the National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines of a raised androgen level (free androgen index >4.5 or a raised total testosterone) and menstrual irregularity after the exclusion of other conditions. RESULTS: All results are reported as mean value of PCOS versus control. 87 of 720 women fulfilled the NIH guidelines (12.1%) for PCOS specifically using a free androgen index greater than 4.5 or a total testosterone greater than 2.7nmol/l and menstrual irregularity. Subjects were heavier with a more metabolic profile of a greater systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher levels of C reactive protein, insulin (p<0.01) and HbA1c (P<0.02), and decreased HDL levels (p<0.01). Pulse wave velocity as a marker of arterial stiffness was also increased (p<0.05) CONCLUSIONS: By NIH guidelines the prevalence of PCOS in this Qatari cohort was 12.1% that would likely reflect 20% by Rotterdam criteria, with a markedly more metabolic phenotype than Qatari controls.