Preliminary indication of a high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in indigenous Australian women

Abstract

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.

Process evaluation of a pilot evidence-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome clinic in the Torres Strait

“…Weight gain worsens its presentation, and achieving a healthy weight through lifestyle modification is a primary initial treatment strategy . Indigenous women have a higher prevalence of PCOS than reported elsewhere in global literature (15–18%) . They are also more likely to experience lower life expectancy, poor health due to social and economic disadvantage, and an elevated prevalence and early onset of non‐communicable diseases including type 2 diabetes (DM2) and cardiovascular disease than all Australian women (CVD) .…”

Translation and implementation of the Australian‐led PCOS guideline: clinical summary and translation resources from the International Evidence‐based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Given the higher prevalence and more severe clinical features of PCOS in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, 2 , 25 early diagnosis and management are vital to prevent and manage the reproductive, metabolic and psychological features of PCOS. This must be undertaken in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.…”

Acne in the adult female patient: a practical approach

“…In the USA, Mexican–American women have higher rates as compared with Caucasian and African‐American women 29 . In the UK, there may be increased rates of PCOS in emigrant populations originating from the Indian subcontinent and in women of Australian aboriginal decent 31,32 …”