Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of polycystic ovaries in women of reproductive age by using ultrasound and to assess the biochemical indicies in these women. Setting: This study was carried out in Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital for the period between 1st of January to 30th of September 2008. Methods: The prevalence of polycystic ovaries in gynaecological population of 617 women of reproductive age was determined by pelvic ultrasonography. The women included were any women attending the outpatient department and referred by gynaecologist to do an ultrasonic examination for any cause other than pregnancy. Ovarian volume was calculated in all women. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone & prolactin were measured in 42 women (55%) in group A, 10 (34%) in group B & 50 women (8%) in group C. Results: The ovarian ultrasonic appearance of 105 (17%) women met the morphological criteria of polycystic ovaries of which 88 women (14.3%) had bilateral polycystic ovaries and 17(2.7%) had unilateral polycystic ovaries; of these women, 76(72.4%) has irregular cycles (group A) and 29(27.6%) had normal cycles (group B). The remaining women with normal ovarian morphology constituted (group C). Group A shows lower mean age & lower parity than group B & C. Mean ovarian volume was statistically higher in both group A (14.3±0.8ml) & B (12.8±1.7) than in group C (6.3±0.2ml) & there is no significant difference in the number of peripheral cysts between groups A&B. Mean LH/FSH. ratio, serum testosterone & serum prolactin values were statistically higher in group A only. Obesity is more common in group A.