Polycystic ovary syndrome presents as a multimorbid condition by age 50: birth cohort linkage to national register data
Authors' conclusion
Women with PCOS are burdened with multimorbidity and higher medication use, independent of BMI and other confounders. Accordingly, preventive strategies are needed to alleviate the disease burden and improve the health outcomes of women with PCOS.
Study context
- Population
- Women in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, followed via national registers until age 50
- Participants
- 244 vs 1,556
- Exposure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) vs non-PCOS women
- PCOSn = 244
- Non-PCOSn = 1,556reference
- Outcome
- Register-based diagnosed diseases (ICD-8-10) and medication use (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical)
- Follow-up
- Until the age of 50
Methodological detailsbirth cohort linked to national register data
- Birth cohort linked to national register data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Any registered diagnosis · until age 50
PCOS vs Non-PCOSRelative risk (CI)
26% higher risk; adjusted for several confounders
1.26(1.09–1.46)
Medication use; 24% higher risk; adjusted for several confounders
1.24(1.05–1.46)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Main ICD categories
- More prevalent with PCOS vs non-PCOS: endocrine, metabolic, nervous system, musculoskeletal and genitourinary diseases, plus different symptoms and injuries
Morbidity by body mass index (BMI)
- Overall morbidity increased only in PCOS with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²; several ICD main categories showed higher comorbidity risk especially in PCOS with BMI < 25 kg/m²
Medications by class
- Prescribed more often with PCOS vs non-PCOS: alimentary tract and metabolism, cardiovascular, genitourinary and sex hormones, dermatologic and hormonal preparations, musculoskeletal, nervous and respiratory system medications
Original publication
Polycystic ovary syndrome presents as a multimorbid condition by age 50: birth cohort linkage to national register data. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 23 May 2024. doi:10.
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