Understanding Variation in Prevalence Estimates of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The systematic review and meta-analysis by Skiba et al. examined the variation in prevalence estimates of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across 21 studies involving 31,104 women. The study found significant variability in prevalence rates, ranging from 2.4% to 22.5%, depending on the diagnostic criteria used (NIH, Rotterdam, AE-PCOS), study populations, and methodologies. The Rotterdam criteria generally resulted in higher prevalence estimates. The lack of standardization in diagnostic criteria, particularly regarding clinical elements like hirsutism and polycystic ovaries, contributed to this variability. The study emphasized the need for consistent diagnostic criteria to improve prevalence estimates' reliability and reduce misdiagnosis and its psychological impact.