Familial associations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To confirm whether there was a familial association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thromboembolic disease, ovarian or breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: A university hospital in the United Kingdom.

Patient(s): Two hundred and seventeen women with and without PCOS under the care of the same consultant gynecologist at a teaching hospital.

Intervention(s): Questionnaire survey.

Main outcome measure(s): Prevalence of a personal or positive family history of thromboembolism, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and heart attacks.

Result(s): In an analysis of the replies from 41 women with PCOS and 66 controls, we found a statistically significant positive family history of breast cancer and heart attacks among women with PCOS. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean age, ethnic origin, or prevalence of a family history of other diseases.

Conclusion(s): Our results show a positive association between polycystic ovary syndrome and a family history of breast cancer and heart disease. These associations may be genetic in origin, or secondary to a complex interplay of genetic, intrauterine, and environmental factors. More studies are required to confirm these findings and determine the factors that explain these associations.