Increased Prevalence of Adverse Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan in Those Affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Canadian Population Cohort.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common metabolic-endocrine disorder impacting the health and quality of life of women over the lifespan. Evidence-based data on the scope of adverse health outcomes in those affected by PCOS is critical to improve healthcare and quality of life in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in those with PCOS compared to age-matched controls.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational case-control study in those diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched controls using the Alberta Health Services Health Analytics database and the International Classification of Diseases, for the period from 2002-2018 in Alberta, Canada.

Results: The cohort consisted of n = 16,531 exposed PCOS cases and n = 49,335 age-matched un-exposed controls. The prevalences of hypertension, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, eating disorders, mental illness, depression-anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, and all malignancies were 20%-40% ( < 0.0001) higher in those with PCOS, compared to controls. The prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes was 2-3 fold higher in those with PCOS ( < 0.001). Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease were 30%-50% higher, and they occurred 3-4 years earlier in those with PCOS ( < 0.0001); a 2-fold higher prevalence of dementia occurred in those with PCOS, compared to controls.

Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that PCOS is associated with a higher prevalence of morbidities over the lifespan, and the potential scope of the healthcare burden in women affected by PCOS.