Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a university population of fertile age in Costa Rica

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was established in a population of 180 female students and/or public servants of the Universidad de Costa Rica, specifically from the Sede Rodrigo Facio of fertile age in Costa Rica, and compared with the prevalence of this syndrome worldwide. The most appropriate diagnostic criteria for PCOS was selected through an exhaustive literature review. A neuroendocrine screening including hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (free T₄), estradiol, progesterone and total testosterone was performed to assess average serum levels in the study population. A biochemical screening that includes insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol linked to high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) was performed to assess the average serum levels in the study population. The average serum values of cholesterol linked to low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), Castelli index, insulin resistance, body mass index and LH/FSH ratio were calculated to obtain average values in the study population. Biological samples obtained from the study population were quantified using automated equipment such as Roche Cobas c501 Chemistry Analyzer using reagents from Roche Diagnostics with a spectrophotometric detector and AxSYM SYSTEM® from Abbot Diagnostics and reagents, controls and calibrators from the same commercial house; in addition the colorimetric enzymatic method was used. The habits of exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, history of diabetes mellitus and coronary risk, obesity and overweight, date of the first and last menstrual period, menstrual irregularities, socioeconomic status, oral contraceptive intake, other endocrine pathologies and physical appearance were determined using an instrument to obtain average values in the study population. A comparison of the population with PCOS and the population without PCOS was performed according to the anthropometric and social variables, family history, biochemical parameters, physical characteristics and other characteristics related to the syndrome. According to the study performed, the results have determined the following: the frequency of the PCOS is high in the study population, the participants with PCOS present more overweight and obesity, running the risk of suffering Diabettes Mellitus type II and cardiovascular problems, insulin resistance (IR) is the main cause of the syndrome, and it is directly related to obesity and hyperandrogenemia. The IR is stimulated by hyperandrogenemia, as well as ovulatory disorders as a consequence of a decreased FSH secretion. In addition, the same excess of androgens is the main responsible for the clinical characteristics of this type of patients. The results obtained from each of the participants was prepared and delivered in a written report, as well as a general information bulletin of the syndrome to inform the study population