Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Prevalence and impact on the wellbeing of Australian women aged 16–29 years

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common condition among reproductive-aged women. However, its exact prevalence is unknown. Aims: To determine the prevalence of PCOS in Australian women aged 16–29 years using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria compared to self-reported PCOS, to compare co-morbidities between the groups and to determine the most distressing aspect of a diagnosis of PCOS for these young women. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited from the Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe-D studies. Participants completed questionnaires, physical examinations and blood tests from 2012 to 2016. In March 2016, two supplementary qu..