Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The prevalence and risk factors associated with PCOS in young women aged 18-30 remain under-explored. Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence of PCOS and identify associated risk factors in young women aged 18-30. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024. Five hundred young women aged 18-30 were recruited from urban and rural settings. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, underwent clinical examinations, and had biochemical tests and transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasounds. PCOS was diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression to identify associations between risk factors and PCOS. Results: The prevalence of PCOS among the participants was 24.0%. The highest prevalence was observed in the age group 23-26 years (30.0%). Significant risk factors associated with PCOS included a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.8-3.7), family history of PCOS (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.6), sedentary lifestyle (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6-3.5), high-sugar diet (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.1), and insulin resistance (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9-4.1). Clinically, women with PCOS had significantly higher serum testosterone, LH levels, and ovarian volume compared to those without PCOS. Conclusion: PCOS is prevalent among young women, with significant associations with obesity, family history, lifestyle factors, and insulin resistance. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve early diagnosis and management of PCOS.

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The prevalence and risk factors associated with PCOS in young women aged 18-30 remain under-explored. Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence of PCOS and identify associated risk factors in young women aged 18-30. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024. Five hundred young women aged 18-30 were recruited from urban and rural settings. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, underwent clinical examinations, and had biochemical tests and transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasounds. PCOS was diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression to identify associations between risk factors and PCOS. Results: The prevalence of PCOS among the participants was 24.0%. The highest prevalence was observed in the age group 23-26 years (30.0%). Significant risk factors associated with PCOS included a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.8-3.7), family history of PCOS (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.6), sedentary lifestyle (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6-3.5), high-sugar diet (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.1), and insulin resistance (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9-4.1). Clinically, women with PCOS had significantly higher serum testosterone, LH levels, and ovarian volume compared to those without PCOS. Conclusion: PCOS is prevalent among young women, with significant associations with obesity, family history, lifestyle factors, and insulin resistance. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve early diagnosis and management of PCOS.