Ethnic Differences: Is there an Asian Phenotype for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Abstract Ethnicity has not been accounted for in the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is increasingly recognised that ethnic differences are likely contributors to the differing manifestations of PCOS. Generally, rates of PCOS may be lower in East Asians. It is clear that...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology 2016-11, Vol.37, p.46-55
Main Authors: Huang, Zhongwei, MBBS, DPhil, AFHEA (UK), MRCOG, M.Med (O&G), Yong, Eu-Leong, MBBS, FRCOG, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arabs
Asian
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
China
ethnic difference
European Continental Ancestry Group
Far East
Female
Hirsutism - ethnology
Hirsutism - etiology
Humans
Hyperandrogenism - ethnology
Hyperandrogenism - etiology
Japan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ovary - diagnostic imaging
Phenotype
polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - complications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - diagnostic imaging
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - ethnology
Prevalence
Republic of Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Ultrasonography
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Summary:Abstract Ethnicity has not been accounted for in the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is increasingly recognised that ethnic differences are likely contributors to the differing manifestations of PCOS. Generally, rates of PCOS may be lower in East Asians. It is clear that East Asians are less hirsute compared to Caucasians. Hirsutism cut-off thresholds need to be lower in East Asian populations compared to Caucasian populations. Despite population-adjusted scoring, Caucasians have higher hirsutism rates amongst patients diagnosed with PCOS. Rates of hyperandrogenaemia do not appear to differ among PCOS subjects, although serum androstenedione appeared to be higher in Caucasians in one study. Interestingly, higher prevalence of the polycystic ovarian morphology has been reported in East Asian PCOS populations compared to Caucasian PCOS subjects. Hence, there is a need for comparative studies across different ethnicities to establish whether epidemiological differences observed reflect a true ethnic difference in the phenotype of PCOS and if there is an Asian phenotype for PCOS.
ISSN:1521-6934
1532-1932
DOI:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.04.001