| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
Original Studies |
Departments of Endocrinology (M.A., R.M.C., J.S., H.F.E.-M.), Molecular Genetics (J.L.S.M.), and Biochemistry (S.A.), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid 28034, Spain
Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Héctor F. Escobar-Morreale, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Km. 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
We prospectively estimated the prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as defined by the NIH/NICHHD 1990 endocrine criteria, in a population of 154 Caucasian women of reproductive age reporting spontaneously for blood donation. Anthropometric data; the presence of hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia; and the menstrual history were recorded by a single investigator. In 145 women, blood samples were also obtained for measurement of serum androgen levels. PCOS was defined by the presence of 1) oligomenorrhea, 2) clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and 3) exclusion of hyperprolactinemia, thyroid disorders, and nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Hirsutism was defined by a modified Ferriman- Gallwey score of 8 or more, acne was considered as a sign of hyperandrogenism when persistent after the second decade of life, and hyperandrogenemia was defined by an increase in circulating testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or an increase in the free androgen index above the 95th percentile of the control values derived from the nonhirsute, nonacneic women having regular menses who were not receiving hormonal therapy. PCOS was present in 10 (6.5%), hirsutism was present in 11 (7.1%), and acne was present in 19 (12.3%) of the 154 women. Our results demonstrate a 6.5% prevalence of PCOS, as defined, in a minimally biased population of Caucasian women from Spain. The polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, and acne are common endocrine disorders in women.
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
E. Moll, J.C. Korevaar, P.M.M. Bossuyt, and F. van der Veen Does adding metformin to clomifene citrate lead to higher pregnancy rates in a subset of women with polycystic ovary syndrome? Hum. Reprod., August 1, 2008; 23(8): 1830 - 1834. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
V. Kumarapeli, R. d. A. Seneviratne, C. N. Wijeyaratne, R. M. S. C. Yapa, and S. H. Dodampahala A Simple Screening Approach for Assessing Community Prevalence and Phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Semiurban Population in Sri Lanka Am. J. Epidemiol., August 1, 2008; 168(3): 321 - 328. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Luque-Ramirez, F. Alvarez-Blasco, M. G. Uriol Rivera, and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Serum uric acid concentration as non-classic cardiovascular risk factor in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: effect of treatment with ethinyl-estradiol plus cyproterone acetate versus metformin Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2008; 23(7): 1594 - 1601. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. M. Fenkci, V. Fenkci, O. Oztekin, S. Rota, and N. Karagenc Serum total L-carnitine levels in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2008; 23(7): 1602 - 1606. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. H Abbott, D. K Barnett, J. E Levine, V. Padmanabhan, D. A Dumesic, S. Jacoris, and A. F Tarantal Endocrine Antecedents of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Fetal and Infant Prenatally Androgenized Female Rhesus Monkeys Biol Reprod, July 1, 2008; 79(1): 154 - 163. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Tan, S. Hahn, S. Benson, O.E. Janssen, T. Dietz, R. Kimmig, J. Hesse-Hussain, K. Mann, M. Schedlowski, P.C. Arck, et al. Psychological implications of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., June 25, 2008; (2008) den227v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J.-P. Baillargeon, J. E. Nestler, R. E. Ostlund, T. Apridonidze, and E. Diamanti-Kandarakis Greek hyperinsulinemic women, with or without polycystic ovary syndrome, display altered inositols metabolism Hum. Reprod., June 1, 2008; 23(6): 1439 - 1446. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Franks, J. Stark, and K. Hardy Follicle dynamics and anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod. Update, May 22, 2008; (2008) dmn015v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Azziz Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is a Family Affair J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2008; 93(5): 1579 - 1581. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. E. Recabarren, R. Smith, R. Rios, M. Maliqueo, B. Echiburu, E. Codner, F. Cassorla, P. Rojas, and T. Sir-Petermann Metabolic Profile in Sons of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2008; 93(5): 1820 - 1826. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Mohlig, M. O Weickert, E. Ghadamgahi, A. M Arafat, J. Spranger, A. F H Pfeiffer, and C. Schofl Retinol-binding protein 4 is associated with insulin resistance, but appears unsuited for metabolic screening in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur. J. Endocrinol., April 1, 2008; 158(4): 517 - 523. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Corton, J. I. Botella-Carretero, J. A. Lopez, E. Camafeita, J. L. San Millan, H. F. Escobar-Morreale, and B. Peral Proteomic analysis of human omental adipose tissue in the polycystic ovary syndrome using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry Hum. Reprod., March 1, 2008; 23(3): 651 - 661. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Palomba, F. Giallauria, A. Falbo, T. Russo, R. Oppedisano, A. Tolino, A. Colao, C. Vigorito, F. Zullo, and F. Orio Structured exercise training programme versus hypocaloric hyperproteic diet in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients with anovulatory infertility: a 24-week pilot study Hum. Reprod., March 1, 2008; 23(3): 642 - 650. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
H. F. Escobar-Morreale, R. Sanchon, and J. L. San Millan A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Nonclassical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia among Women Presenting with Hyperandrogenic Symptoms and Signs J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2008; 93(2): 527 - 533. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. E. Nestler Metformin for the Treatment of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome N. Engl. J. Med., January 3, 2008; 358(1): 47 - 54. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
B. O. Yildiz, E. S. Knochenhauer, and R. Azziz Impact of Obesity on the Risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 2008; 93(1): 162 - 168. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. E. S. Salley, E. P. Wickham, K. I. Cheang, P. A. Essah, N. W. Karjane, and J. E. Nestler POSITION STATEMENT: Glucose Intolerance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome A Position Statement of the Androgen Excess Society J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2007; 92(12): 4546 - 4556. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Moll, F. van der Veen, and M. van Wely The role of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review Hum. Reprod. Update, November 1, 2007; 13(6): 527 - 537. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. Calaf, E. Lopez, A. Millet, J. Alcaniz, A. Fortuny, O. Vidal, J. Callejo, F. Escobar-Jimenez, E. Torres, J. J. Espinos, et al. Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerability of Flutamide Combined with Oral Contraception in Moderate to Severe Hirsutism: A 12-Month, Double-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 2007; 92(9): 3446 - 3452. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Luque-Ramirez, F. Alvarez-Blasco, J. I. Botella-Carretero, R. Sanchon, J. L. San Millan, and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Increased Body Iron Stores of Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Are a Consequence of Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinism and Are Not a Result of Reduced Menstrual Losses Diabetes Care, September 1, 2007; 30(9): 2309 - 2313. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Mohlig, M. O Weickert, E. Ghadamgadai, A. Machlitt, B. Pfuller, A. M Arafat, A. F H Pfeiffer, and C. Schofl Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein is associated with markers of obesity, but is an unlikely link between obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome women Eur. J. Endocrinol., August 1, 2007; 157(2): 195 - 200. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Luque-Ramirez, F. Alvarez-Blasco, J. I. Botella-Carretero, E. Martinez-Bermejo, M. A. Lasuncion, and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Comparison of Ethinyl-Estradiol Plus Cyproterone Acetate Versus Metformin Effects on Classic Metabolic Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2007; 92(7): 2453 - 2461. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Sir-Petermann, B. Echiburu, M M. Maliqueo, N. Crisosto, F. Sanchez, C. Hitschfeld, M. Carcamo, P. Amigo, and F. Perez-Bravo Serum adiponectin and lipid concentrations in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2007; 22(7): 1830 - 1836. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Luque-Ramirez, F. Alvarez-Blasco, C. Mendieta-Azcona, J. I. Botella-Carretero, and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Obesity Is the Major Determinant of the Abnormalities in Blood Pressure Found in Young Women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2007; 92(6): 2141 - 2148. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Codner and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2007; 92(4): 1209 - 1216. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K.-M. Seow, C.-C. Juan, Y.-P. Hsu, J.-L. Hwang, L.-W. Huang, and L.-T. Ho Amelioration of insulin resistance in women with PCOS via reduced insulin receptor substrate-1 Ser312 phosphorylation following laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery Hum. Reprod., April 1, 2007; 22(4): 1003 - 1010. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. Gagnon and J.-P. Baillargeon Suitability of recommended limits for fasting glucose tests in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Can. Med. Assoc. J., March 27, 2007; 176(7): 933 - 938. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
B. Banaszewska, L. Pawelczyk, R. Z. Spaczynski, J. Dziura, and A. J. Duleba Effects of Simvastatin and Oral Contraceptive Agent on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Prospective, Randomized, Crossover Trial J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2007; 92(2): 456 - 461. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S.A. Amer, S. Laird, W.L. Ledger, and T.C. Li Effect of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy on circulating inhibin B in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., February 1, 2007; 22(2): 389 - 394. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. KOUSTA Premature Adrenarche Leads to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?: Long-Term Consequences Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., December 1, 2006; 1092(1): 148 - 157. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. DIAMANTI-KANDARAKIS and F. ECONOMOU Stress in Women: Metabolic Syndrome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., November 1, 2006; 1083(1): 54 - 62. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. Hughes, M. Elgasim, R. Layfield, and W. Atiomo Genomic and post-genomic approaches to polycystic ovary syndrome--progress so far: Mini Review Hum. Reprod., November 1, 2006; 21(11): 2766 - 2775. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Alvarez-Blasco, J. I. Botella-Carretero, J. L. San Millan, and H. F. Escobar-Morreale Prevalence and characteristics of the polycystic ovary syndrome in overweight and obese women. Arch Intern Med, October 23, 2006; 166(19): 2081 - 2086. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Elia, V. Sander, C.G. Luchetti, M.E. Solano, G. Di Girolamo, C. Gonzalez, and A.B. Motta The mechanisms involved in the action of metformin in regulating ovarian function in hyperandrogenized mice Mol. Hum. Reprod., August 1, 2006; 12(8): 475 - 481. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. M. Kushnir, A. L. Rockwood, W. L. Roberts, E. G. Pattison, W. E. Owen, A. M. Bunker, and A. W. Meikle Development and Performance Evaluation of a Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for 4 Adrenal Steroids Clin. Chem., August 1, 2006; 52(8): 1559 - 1567. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. J. Himelein and S. S. Thatcher Depression and Body Image among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Health Psychol, July 1, 2006; 11(4): 613 - 625. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S.K. Blank, C.R. McCartney, and J.C. Marshall The origins and sequelae of abnormal neuroendocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod. Update, July 1, 2006; 12(4): 351 - 361. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Hahn, S. Benson, S. Elsenbruch, K. Pleger, S. Tan, K. Mann, M. Schedlowski, W. B. van Halteren, R. Kimmig, and O. E. Janssen Metformin treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome improves health-related quality-of-life, emotional distress and sexuality Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2006; 21(7): 1925 - 1934. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Codner, N. Soto, P. Lopez, L. Trejo, A. Avila, F. C. Eyzaguirre, G. Iniguez, and F. Cassorla Diagnostic Criteria for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Morphology in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2006; 91(6): 2250 - 2256. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. Xita and A. Tsatsoulis Fetal Programming of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Androgen Excess: Evidence from Experimental, Clinical, and Genetic Association Studies J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2006; 91(5): 1660 - 1666. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Ibanez and F. de Zegher Low-dose flutamide-metformin therapy for hyperinsulinemic hyperandrogenism in non-obese adolescents and women Hum. Reprod. Update, May 1, 2006; 12(3): 243 - 252. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Yesilada, I. Sahin, H. Ozcan, I. H. Yildirim, S. Yologlu, and C. Taskapan Increased micronucleus frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur. J. Endocrinol., April 1, 2006; 154(4): 563 - 568. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. C. Lo, S. L. Feigenbaum, J. Yang, A. R. Pressman, J. V. Selby, and A. S. Go Epidemiology and Adverse Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Diagnosed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2006; 91(4): 1357 - 1363. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. I. Leibel, E. E. Baumann, M. Kocherginsky, and R. L. Rosenfield Relationship of Adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Parental Metabolic Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2006; 91(4): 1275 - 1283. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. Gonzalez, M.E. Saez, M.J. Aragon, J.J. Galan, P. Vettori, L. Molina, C. Rubio, L.M. Real, A. Ruiz, and R. Ramirez-Lorca Specific haplotypes of the CALPAIN-5 gene are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., April 1, 2006; 21(4): 943 - 951. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Elsenbruch, S. Benson, S. Hahn, S. Tan, K. Mann, K. Pleger, R. Kimmig, and O. E. Janssen Determinants of emotional distress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., April 1, 2006; 21(4): 1092 - 1099. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
V. Sander, C. G. Luchetti, M. E. Solano, E. Elia, G. Di Girolamo, C. Gonzalez, and A. B. Motta Role of the N, N'-dimethylbiguanide metformin in the treatment of female prepuberal BALB/c mice hyperandrogenized with dehydroepiandrosterone. Reproduction, March 1, 2006; 131(3): 591 - 602. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Bridger, S. MacDonald, F. Baltzer, and C. Rodd Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin for Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, March 1, 2006; 160(3): 241 - 246. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Hahn, U. Haselhorst, B. Quadbeck, S. Tan, R. Kimmig, K. Mann, and O. E Janssen Decreased soluble leptin receptor levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Eur. J. Endocrinol., February 1, 2006; 154(2): 287 - 294. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Mohlig, J. Spranger, M. Ristow, A. F H Pfeiffer, T. Schill, H. W Schlosser, L. Moltz, G. Brabant, and C. Schofl Predictors of abnormal glucose metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome Eur. J. Endocrinol., February 1, 2006; 154(2): 295 - 301. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Ibanez, C. Valls, and F. de Zegher Discontinuous low-dose flutamide-metformin plus an oral or a transdermal contraceptive in patients with hyperinsulinaemic hyperandrogenism: normalizing effects on CRP, TNF-{alpha} and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio Hum. Reprod., February 1, 2006; 21(2): 451 - 456. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
H. F. Escobar-Morreale, J. I. Botella-Carretero, F. Alvarez-Blasco, J. Sancho, and J. L. San Millan The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Associated with Morbid Obesity May Resolve after Weight Loss Induced by Bariatric Surgery J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2005; 90(12): 6364 - 6369. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Zhou, I. M. Bird, D. A. Dumesic, and D. H. Abbott Adrenal Hyperandrogenism Is Induced by Fetal Androgen Excess in a Rhesus Monkey Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2005; 90(12): 6630 - 6637. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. Diamanti-Kandarakis and C. Piperi Genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome: searching for the way out of the labyrinth Hum. Reprod. Update, November 1, 2005; 11(6): 631 - 643. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Villuendas, J. I. Botella-Carretero, B. Roldan, J. Sancho, H. F. Escobar-Morreale, and J. L. S. Millan Polymorphisms in the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) gene and the insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) gene influence glucose homeostasis and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and non-hyperandrogenic controls Hum. Reprod., November 1, 2005; 20(11): 3184 - 3191. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. K. Welt, A. E. Taylor, J. Fox, G. M. Messerlian, J. M. Adams, and A. L. Schneyer Follicular Arrest in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with Deficient Inhibin A and B Biosynthesis J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 2005; 90(10): 5582 - 5587. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Ibanez, A. M. Jaramillo, A. Ferrer, and F. de Zegher High neutrophil count in girls and women with hyperinsulinaemic hyperandrogenism: normalization with metformin and flutamide overcomes the aggravation by oral contraception Hum. Reprod., September 1, 2005; 20(9): 2457 - 2462. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Sam, R. S. Legro, R. Bentley-Lewis, and A. Dunaif Dyslipidemia and Metabolic Syndrome in the Sisters of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2005; 90(8): 4797 - 4802. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Azziz, C. Marin, L. Hoq, E. Badamgarav, and P. Song Health Care-Related Economic Burden of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome during the Reproductive Life Span J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2005; 90(8): 4650 - 4658. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||