Comparison of Clinical Findings and Nutritional Status in Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome in 18-29 and 30-45 Year Age Groups

Abstract

Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder common among reproductive age women. The study was focused to compare the clinical findings and nutritional status of women with PCOS in 18-29 and 30-45 year age groups. Overall, 120 PCOS subjects in the age group of 18-45 years were selected for the study. Rotterdam criteria was used for identification of the subjects for the study. Socio economic status of the subject revealed that majority of the subjects (49 %) belonged to upper lower class IV. There was a significant mean difference in BMI (p=0.007), Oligo an ovulation (p=0.02) between the two groups. The mean Scores of hirsutism and physical activity was significantly higher in the 18-29 age group (p<0.05). Nutrient intake was assessed by three day food record and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and calculated using Diet Cal software. The mean intake of calorie, carbohydrate and fat was remarkably higher in both age groups whereas the intake of micronutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron and retinol was lower compared to EAR. Vitamin D intake was lower than the EAR in all the selected subjects. The comparison of nutritional status of the two age groups disclosed that there was a significantly higher mean intake of calorie (p=0.045), fibre (p=0.006), iron (p=0.022), magnesium (p=0.017), chromium (p=0.016) and potassium (p=0.041) in the 30-45 year age group. Food consumption pattern affirmed that there was a remarkable difference in the intake of processed foods, soft drinks, sweets, fish, leafy vegetables, pickle between the two age groups.