Ultrasonographic prevalence of polycystic ovarian morphology among women of reproductive age group

Background and objective: Polycystic ovarian cyst is the most common and complex reproductive endocrinopathy affecting females of childbearing age. This study aimed to investigate the sonographic prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology among women of reproductive age group, and correlate it with age, menstrual disturbances, fertility problems, obesity, and hormonal profile. Methods: This study was carried out in the Rizgary Teaching Hospital and private clinic in Erbil city, Kurdistan region of Iraqfrom 1st August 2016 to 1st June 2017. A total of 782 women were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were any woman attending to pelvic ultrasound for whatever the cause other than pregnancy. The prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology was determined depending on Rotterdam's criteria; correlation with clinical history and biochemical indices was done. Results: Of the total study sample of 782 women, 147 (18.8%)had polycystic ovarian cyst. The highest prevalence (32.7% and 43%) was among the age group 18-27 years and participants with high body mass index (31-≥40).There was a statistically significant correlation between menstrual cycle irregularities and serum prolactin andserum testosterone. The highest polycystic ovary prevalence was found among participants with a history of amenorrhea and oligomenorrhoea, 92.3% and 75.2%, respectively. Conclusion: We observed that polycystic ovary is an age-related disease and the prevalence of the disease decreases with age. The highest prevalence was seen among the age group of 18-27 years and least in the age group of 38-47 years. No patients with polycystic ovary were found above 48 years