Will my daughter develop Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

What are the risk factors for PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common condition associated with elevated androgens and insulin resistance. About 10 -15 % of women are affected by PCOS.

We’re reviewed various aspects of the topic in past articles.

PCOS Criteria

Blood Tests for Evaluating PCOS: What should be done?

Evaluating Thyroid Status in Women with PCOS

The Diagnosis of PCOS in Adolescents

Today, we’ll focus on the factors that increase the risk of a young female developing PCOS.

Risk Factors for PCOS

PCOS is not a single disease but rather a “syndrome” that is likely made up a several conditions that are somewhat related and appear similar. There are several things that are shared in common among women who are diagnosed with PCOS. These include high androgens in the blood and evidence of insulin resistance.

The following are thought to be risk factors for a female to develop PCOS later in life:

1. Low birth weight baby girl (small for gestational age)

2. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

3. Obesity

4. Metabolic syndrome

5. Early puberty/precocious puberty (underarm and pubic hair before age 8)

6. Early onset menarche

7. Acne

8. Hisutism

9. High wrist circumference

FAMILY HISTORY RISK FACTORS

1. The girl’s mother is of higher body weight

2. Family history of diabetes

3. Family history of infertility

4. Menstrual irregularity in mother

5. Genetic factors - higher frequency of PCOS in Spanish, native American and Mexican women.

6. Family history of hirsutism

REFERENCES

Shan B et al. Risk factors of polycystic ovarian syndrome among Li People. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2015 Jul;8(7):590-3.

Esmaeilzadeh S et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome in Iranian adolescents. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2014;26(4):559-65.