Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex condition characterized by endocrine features and influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In Southeast Asia and Thailand, the prevalence of PCOS is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and determine factors associated with PCOS in Thai adolescents. We administered a validated questionnaire to 600 university female participants aged 17-19 years from Mahidol University in Bangkok. Of these, 548 (91.33%) responded and agreed to participate. Two-hundred and seventy-nine girls (50.91%) were identified as likely having PCOS and defined as 'probable cases'. Of those 279 participants, 248 (88.88%) were evaluated further for PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria. A complete history was taken, and a physical examination including trans-abdominal ultrasound was performed. Blood chemistry tests were performed to exclude similar conditions and to investigate potential co-morbidities. The prevalence of PCOS in Thai adolescents was found to be 5.29%. After multivariate analyses, moderate acne was the strongest risk factor for PCOS. The odd ratios (95% confidence interval) for the presence of mild acne, moderate acne, and oligo- or amenorrhea in participants with PCOS were 2.83 (1.01-7.90; p = .47), 31.69 (10.07-99.67; p < .001), and 5.89 (2.42-14.37; p < .001), respectively.
Keywords: PCOS; acne; adolescent; hyperandrogenemia; hyperandrogenism; oligomenorrhea.