Pattern of Hyperandrogenemia in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
Androgens, Body Mass Index, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Testosterone, Women's HealthAbstract
Objectives: To assess the pattern of hyperandrogenemia in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Study Design and Setting: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Medical Teaching Institution (MTI), Peshawar.
Methodology: A total of 133 women aged 18–50 years with PCOS, diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, were enrolled through non-probability convenience sampling. Women with prior hormone therapy, hysterectomy, ovarian dermoid, or pelvic inflammatory disease were excluded. Serum levels of total testosterone (>88 ng/dl), free testosterone (>0.66 ng/dl), and DHEAS (>2750 ng/ml) were measured and stratified with age, BMI, and menopausal status. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying the chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: Elevated free testosterone was observed in 34.6% of participants, followed by total testosterone in 24.8% and DHEAS in 24.1%. A statistically significant association was found between age and raised DHEAS (p = 0.046), while no significant associations were observed with BMI or menopausal status.
Conclusions: Free testosterone was the most frequently elevated androgen marker in women with PCOS, supporting its role in biochemical assessment. The age-related rise in DHEAS suggests the need for individualized hormonal interpretation to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide management
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