Do rates of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) vary among Heterosexual and Lesbian Women?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder occurring in 4-10% of women in the general population, is associated with adverse health outcomes such as infertility, cardiovascular disease and Type II Diabetes. Despite physician recognition that lesbians may have higher rates of PCOS than heterosexual women, only two published studies with conflicting results exist. Our aim was to determine if rates of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) vary among heterosexual and lesbian women using data from the ESTHER Project (Epidemiologic Study of Health Risk in Women). The ESTHER Project (2003-2006) included 1084 women 34 years and over, about half self-identified as lesbian (n= 504). Self-reported rates of diagnosed polycystic ovaries (PCO) significantly differed by sexual orientation (Lesbians 8%, Heterosexuals 4%, p<.01). No significant differences were found when other identifiers of PCOS were examined (hirsutism, adult acne, family history of PCOS). Currently, measures of testosterone, androstenedione and SHBG are being conducted on a subgroup (n=251) of this sample to better describe PCOS cases and to compare PCOS symptoms between heterosexual and lesbian women identified by bio-chemical measures. Preliminary results show that lesbians may be diagnosed with PCOS more often than heterosexual women (based on reported medical history). Findings from this study may provide health care professionals with: (1) improved assessment tools for diagnosis of PCOS among lesbian women, (2) additional information regarding symptomology of PCOS, and (3) potential strategies to help reduce the risk factors for and better manage the symptoms of PCOS that may be specific to lesbians.