A STUDY OF DIFFERENT PHENOTYPIC PRESENTATIONS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME: AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Background:Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) constitutes one of the most common endocrinopathy amongst the reproductive age women.Over the last few decades it has gained a lot of public attention as reflected in various internet sites and newspapers. However, it is a very complex endocrinopathy presenting as a challenge to clinician to make diagnosis and manage appropriately. Aims: To study the different clinical presentations among women with PCOS and to categorise them into different phenotypes. Method: An explorative hospital based study was conducted including 120 women with PCOS, during a two year period between Dec.2014 to Dec.2016. Based on history, clinical examination, hormonal evaluation and ultrasound features, all women were categorized into 4 different phenotypes. Results: Out of 120 women, 29(24.16%)presented with full blown syndrome(severe PCOS), 34(28.33%) had oligo/anovulatory PCOS, 25(20.83%) of them were found to be ovulatory variety and 32(31.17%) belonged to mild PCOS category. Conclusion:PCOS is represents a continuum of symptoms. No single test or clinical feature is sine qua non of the syndrome. This study demonstrates the various phenotypic expressions of PCOS and it can be viewed as a lifelong disorder with progession from mild to severe variety later on in life. Approach to each patient should be tailor made.