We aimed to estimate the likely prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in indigenous Australian women in a cross-sectional survey based on structured interviews. In the Kimberley region of Western Australia and south-western Victoria, between February and June 1999, women over the age of 18 available for interview and willing to participate were included. Menstrual status, anthropometric measures, fasting blood biochemistry and hirsutism were assessed. A total of 38 premenopausal women completed the survey. Of these, 50% had regular menstrual cycles of normal duration and no hirsutism; seven had oligomenorrhea and hirsutism/hyperandrogenemia; and of the nine women with hirsutism and regular menses, three had hyperandrogenemia. Thus, possibly ten women fulfilled the criteria of PCOS. This unique data set suggests a high prevalence of PCOS in indigenous Australian women. Further research to document this formally is warranted, in view of the potential adverse effects of PCOS on reproduction and metabolism.

This research documents an evaluation of preventive health resources developed for Aboriginal people in the west Kimberley region. The project was a collaboration between The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women and Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal health workers, educators and artists from Looma, Pandanus Park, Derby and Mowanjum. Traditional art and language provided a basis for cultural identity and imparting modern health knowledge. Two health booklets and a video (Aminina Nud Mulumuluna – “You Gotta Look After Yourself” and Wungai Ngunga – “Women's Business”) were produced. Qualitative research suggests that the resources were well accepted, fostered health discussions and contributed to the pride and self‐esteem of local people. Collaboration and the integration of traditional and modern health knowledge contributed to a contemporary view of Aboriginal health.

We aimed to estimate the likely prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in indigenous Australian women in a cross-sectional survey based on structured interviews. In the Kimberley region of Western Australia and south-western Victoria, between February and June 1999, women over the age of 18 available for interview and willing to participate were included. Menstrual status, anthropometric measures, fasting blood biochemistry and hirsutism were assessed. A total of 38 premenopausal women completed the survey. Of these, 50% had regular menstrual cycles of normal duration and no hirsutism; seven had oligomenorrhea and hirsutism/hyperandrogenemia; and of the nine women with hirsutism and regular menses, three had hyperandrogenemia. Thus, possibly ten women fulfilled the criteria of PCOS. This unique data set suggests a high prevalence of PCOS in indigenous Australian women. Further research to document this formally is warranted, in view of the potential adverse effects of PCOS on reproduction and metabolism.

In contrast to the case in other non-Caucasian populations, climacteric symptoms seem to be common among Australian indigenous women and are apparently untreated. Aboriginal art and language has been employed in the development of culturally appropriate health promotion literature for Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This process of collaboration provides a useful model for addressing women's health issues in other culturally diverse populations.

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