Hormonal and Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women, diagnosed through menstrual dysfunction, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. This study was designed to investigate the hormonal and ultrasound features of women suffering from PCOS. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the 250 Bedded General Hospital, Manikganj, Bangladesh, from July 2023 to June 2025. The study included a total of 140 women of reproductive age (18-40 years) who were clinically suspected or diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data were entered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Result: Oligomenorrhea was the most common clinical feature (65.7%), followed by hirsutism (54.3%), acne (43.6%), and obesity (35.0%). Hormonal assessment showed elevated LH levels (11.8 ± 4.2 mIU/mL), reduced FSH levels (5.6 ± 2.1 mIU/mL), an increased LH/FSH ratio (2.3 ± 0.9), raised total testosterone (72.5 ± 18.4 ng/dL), and elevated serum insulin (18.7 ± 6.5 µIU/mL), indicating combined endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. Ultrasonography revealed bilateral polycystic ovaries in 72.9% of cases, increased ovarian volume in 68.6%, and peripheral follicular arrangement in 78.6%. A significant association was also observed between elevated testosterone levels and polycystic ovarian morphology (81.3% vs 60.0%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Polycystic ovary syndrome involves hormonal imbalance and characteristic ultrasound findings. It commonly affects women in early reproductive years, causing menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism symptoms. Key biochemical markers include elevated LH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, and insulin. Ultrasound often shows bilateral polycystic ovaries, enlarged ovaries, and peripheral follicles.