Unravelling Prevalence and Pattern of Various Hormonal Dysfunctions Among Reproductive Age Community Dwelling Indian Women: Lessons From ICMR PCOS Task Force Sub Study.

Abstract

Background: Population-specific studies examining the prevalence of endocrine dysfunctions among Indian women are limited. Therefore, we analysed the data of the multicentric and multiregional National ICMR-PCOS task force study to evaluate the magnitude and pattern of endocrine dysfunctions among women of reproductive age group across various zones of India.

Methods: Women aged 18-40 years (N = 12,100) were approached from five zones of the country including both rural and urban areas and were evaluated using multistage cluster design based on 2011 census. A structured uniform questionnaire capturing details of medical history, drug intake and so on. was collected, followed by relevant physical examination, laboratory assessment (blood counts, liver, and kidney function tests), hormonal panel (serum LH, FSH, PRL, total testosterone, 17OHP, SHBG, DHEAS, insulin, T4, TSH, Cortisol) and abdominal ultrasound.

Results: Out of the 12,100 subjects listed in the Voter ID list and approached at all the participating sites, 831 declined to participate, and 2276 were deemed ineligible. The screening questionnaire was administered to a total of 8993 women. The study showed a remarkably high prevalence of oligo-anovulation (21.5%), closely followed by clinical hyperandrogenism (21%). Biochemical hyperandrogenism and subclinical hypothyroidism emerged as the most prevalent endocrine dysfunctions (15.6%).

Conclusion: This nationally representative study is probably the first global study to report the various endocrine dysfunctions in reproductive age women and will help in formulating national health policies.