Prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and its Associated Lifestyle Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.: Original Article

Sumayya; Mehwish Syed; Javeria Saleem; Saeeda Safi; Shah Nawaz

doi:10.64911/h9a34e54

Authors

Sumayya Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MTI Nowshera Medical College (NMC), Nowshera, , KP – Pakistan Author
Mehwish Syed Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MTI Nowshera Medical College (NMC), Nowshera, KP – Pakistan. Author
Javeria Saleem Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MTI Nowshera Medical College (NMC), Nowshera, , KP – Pakistan Author
Saeeda Safi Assistant professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MTI Nowshera Medical College (NMC), Nowshera, KP – Pakistan Author
Shah Nawaz Professor , Deparment of Biochemistry, Nowshera Medical college,Nowshera Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64911/h9a34e54

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Lifestyle Risk Factors, Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Metabolic Abnormalities.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence, clinical manifestations, metabolic abnormalities, and lifestyle-related risk factors of PCOS among women of reproductive age attending a tertiary care hospital in Nowshera, Pakistan.

Methodology: This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology Outpatient Department of Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera, from January to June 2025. A total of 200 women aged 18–44 years diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were enrolled through consecutive sampling. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, clinical features, biochemical parameters, and lifestyle factors using a structured questionnaire. We performed statistical analyses using SPSS version 27.

Results: The mean age was 24.6 ± 4.8 years, with the largest proportion in the 21–25-year age group (42.0%). Menstrual irregularity (81.0%) was the most common clinical manifestation, followed by acne (51.0%), hirsutism (48.0%), and infertility (37.0%). Overweight/obesity and central obesity were observed in 62.0% and 59.0% of participants, respectively. Sedentary behavior, frequent fast-food consumption, psychological stress, and sleep disturbances were highly prevalent. Elevated testosterone (64.0%), abnormal LH/FSH ratio (56.0%), dyslipidemia (52.0%), and impaired fasting glucose (38.0%) were common metabolic abnormalities. Obesity (AOR=3.12), physical inactivity (AOR=2.95), and sedentary lifestyle (AOR=2.67) were significant independent predictors of PCOS severity.

Conclusion: Obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors significantly contribute to PCOS severity. Early diagnosis, lifestyle modification, and multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce its reproductive and metabolic burden.