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Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences 4/2010

01-04-2010 | Original Article

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Authors: Ruchi Mathur, Ara Ko, Laura J. Hwang, Kimberly Low, Ricardo Azziz, Mark Pimentel

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

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/m2, p < 0.05) than PCOS patients. Among women with PCOS, those with IBS had a higher BMI (32.9 ± 2.0 kg/m2) compared to those with PCOS but no IBS (30.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and controls (27.5 ± 1.1 kg/m2; 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.
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Metadata
Title
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors
Ruchi Mathur
Ara Ko
Laura J. Hwang
Kimberly Low
Ricardo Azziz
Mark Pimentel
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0890-5

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