Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of reproductive-aged women. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder that affects up to 20% of adults, more often women. We evaluate if there is a relationship between these common conditions.


METHODS
Polycystic ovary syndrome and control subjects were prospectively recruited. A questionnaire was given to determine their gastrointestinal symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat were also calculated.


RESULTS
About 65 female subjects completed the study. Among the 36 PCOS patients, 15 subjects (42%) had IBS, compared to 3 subjects (10%) among controls (p < 0.01). Control subjects were leaner (BMI: 27.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 31.4 +/- 1.2 kg/m(2), p < 0.05) than PCOS patients. Among women with PCOS, those with IBS had a higher BMI (32.9 +/- 2.0 kg/m(2)) compared to those with PCOS but no IBS (30.3 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2)) and controls (27.5 +/- 1.1 kg/m(2); p < 0.05). This difference was true even after correcting for BMI and age (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of IBS compared to healthy controls. When IBS is present with PCOS, a higher BMI and percent body fat is seen compared to PCOS alone.
Mathur
Ruchi
R
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Ko
Ara
A
Hwang
Laura J
LJ
Low
Kimberly
K
Azziz
Ricardo
R
Pimentel
Mark
M
D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
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