RP01 Metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence, clinical correlates, and predictors from South India

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities. The coexistence of PCOS and metabolic syndrome (MetS) substantially increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and identify its clinical predictors among women with PCOS attending a tertiary-care hospital in South India. This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 70 women aged 18–45 years diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected using a structured proforma. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2005) criteria using Asian-specific waist circumference cut-offs. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and binary logistic regression. Metabolic syndrome was present in 32 women (45.7%; 95% confidence interval 33.9–57.8%). The most frequent components were increased waist circumference (77.1%), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (65.7%), hypertriglyceridaemia (54.3%), elevated blood pressure (40.0%), and impaired fasting glucose (37.1%). Women aged ≥26 years, those with body mass index ≥27.5 kg/m², and those with waist circumference ≥88 cm were significantly more likely to have metabolic syndrome (all P < 0.001). Insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ≥2.5) was present in 93.8% of women with metabolic syndrome compared with 47.4% of those without (P = 0.013). Low physical activity and high intake of refined carbohydrates were also significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Nearly half of women with polycystic ovary syndrome had metabolic syndrome, predominantly associated with obesity, central adiposity, and insulin resistance. Routine metabolic screening, early lifestyle intervention, and integrated management are essential to reduce long-term cardiometabolic risk in this population.