Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected women from southern China

Objective: The objective was to determine the prevalence and metabolic parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in southern China. Study design: The study was observational with a parallel study. Participants were studied in a medical examination center. A population of 915 women of reproductive age was investigated at the time of their annual physical examination to determine the prevalence of PCOS in unselected women from southern China. Results: Our results demonstrated a 2.2% (20/915) prevalence of PCOS. Women with PCOS had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and higher luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratios than those in the other groups. Women with PCOS had higher fasting insulin levels and lower fasting glucose/fasting insulin ratios than women in any of the other groups. Conclusions: Some clinical and biochemical characteristics were apparent in PCOS patients in our population, and ethnic differences may be considered when studying the clinical and metabolic features of PCOS in China. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.