Nutritional Assessment of Selected Emerging Adult Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine conditions, usually begins in adolescence and prominent in more than 75% of the adult population. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of emerging adult women with PCOS. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the nutritional status of the selected emerging adult women with PCOS using anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical parameters. Methodology: Prospective interventional design was adopted in the study to test the hypothesis framed and stated above. Emerging adult women between 18 and 23 years of age and who were free from other diseases were included for the study from SRHER (DU) and a working women hostel (Vaanavil Hostel) in Porur, Chennai. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessment were performed for 57 selected emerging adult women “at risk” for PCOS. Results: The mean height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and WHR of 57 “at risk” emerging adult women was found to be, 160.4± 6.7 cms, 60.7 ± 7.5 kg, 23.6 ± 2.9, 95.9 ± 10.6 cm, 119.1 ± 13.0 cm, and 0.80 ± 0.05, respectively. The mean biochemical parameters, namely, FBS, fasting insulin, total testosterone, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and TGL were 98.4 ± 19.7 (mgs/dl), 13.04 ± 6.4 (mcU/ml), 30.9 ± 13.6 (ng/dl), 170.2 ± 36.3 (mgs/dl), 47.7 ± 7.9 (mgs/dl), 115 ± 26.9 (mgs/dl), and 173.5 ± 43.2 (mgs/dl), respectively. It was observed that 25 (44%) had acne, 16 (33%) had hirsutism, 2 (4%) had dark discoloration of the skin, and 5 (9%) had both acne and hirsutism. Conclusion: The mean height was within the standard range; however, the body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and WHR were higher. The mean biochemical parameters analyzed were within the normal range. Acne, hirsutism, and dark patches were observed.