Kim HJ, et al. – This study is conducted to ascertain age–based criteria for polycystic ovary morphology. The ovarian volume and follicle number threshold to define polycystic ovary morphology ought to be lowered starting at age 30.

Methods

• For this study, they planned a cross–sectional, case–control design.
• This study was conducted on outpatient setting.
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by hyperandrogenism and irregular menses (n = 544) and controls with regular menses and no proof of hyperandrogenism (n = 666) took part in this study.
• Parameters were tested in a second cohort of women with PCOS (n = 105) and controls (n = 32) meeting the same criteria.

Results

• The best sensitivity and specificity were obtained utilizing a threshold volume of 12 mL and 13 follicles for ages ≤24 years, 10 mL and 14 follicles for ages 25–29 years, 9 mL and 10 follicles for ages 30–34 years, 8 mL and 10 follicles for ages 35–39 years, 10 mL and 9 follicles for ages 40–44 years, and 6 mL and 7 follicles for ages >44 years.
• Information from a second cohort confirmed the need to reduce volume and follicle number with increasing age to diagnose PCOS.
• Polycystic ovary morphology was most accurate at predicting the PCOS diagnosis for women ages 30–39 years.