Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: using the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Background: Since insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are the major causes of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and are also the main pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS women are at risk of MS. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of MS in Asian women with PCOS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and to define the risk factors.

Methods: One hundred and seventy women with PCOS were enrolled in the study from September 3, 2002 to June 14, 2005.