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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Abstract

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of reproductive-aged women. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder that affects up to 20% of adults, more often women. We evaluate if there is a relationship between these common conditions.

Methods

Polycystic ovary syndrome and control subjects were prospectively recruited. A questionnaire was given to determine their gastrointestinal symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat were also calculated.

Results

About 65 female subjects completed the study. Among the 36 PCOS patients, 15 subjects (42%) had IBS, compared to 3 subjects (10%) among controls (p < 0.01). Control subjects were leaner (BMI: 27.5 ± 1.1 vs. 31.4 ± 1.2 kg/m2, p < 0.05) than PCOS patients. Among women with PCOS, those with IBS had a higher BMI (32.9 ± 2.0 kg/m2) compared to those with PCOS but no IBS (30.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and controls (27.5 ± 1.1 kg/m2; p < 0.05). This difference was true even after correcting for BMI and age (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of IBS compared to healthy controls. When IBS is present with PCOS, a higher BMI and percent body fat is seen compared to PCOS alone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Ruchi Mathur, Ara Ko & Ricardo Azziz

  2. Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Ruchi Mathur

  3. Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Ruchi Mathur & Ricardo Azziz

  4. GI Motility Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Laura J. Hwang, Kimberly Low & Mark Pimentel

  5. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8730 Alden Drive, Thalians Building, Suite 225E, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA

    Mark Pimentel

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  1. Ruchi Mathur
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  2. Ara Ko
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  3. Laura J. Hwang
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  4. Kimberly Low
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  5. Ricardo Azziz
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  6. Mark Pimentel
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Correspondence to Mark Pimentel.

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Mathur, R., Ko, A., Hwang, L.J. et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Dig Dis Sci 55, 1085–1089 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0890-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0890-5

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