To estimate the extent of underdiagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in health system and insurance records compared to population-based studies, focusing on prevalence rates.
Key Findings:
PCOS prevalence in population-based studies in the US ranged from 4% to 19.6%, while HSIR-based studies reported 0.2% to 5.2%, indicating a significant discrepancy.
In the UK, HSIR reported a prevalence of 1.34% compared to approximately 8% in the population, highlighting underdiagnosis.
In South Korea, population-based studies showed prevalence rates of 4.9% and 7%, while HSIR reported 0.12% to 0.33%, further illustrating the underreporting issue.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate a significant underdiagnosis of PCOS in health system records compared to population-based studies, suggesting a critical need for improved awareness and education among healthcare practitioners and the public.
Limitations:
The review may not capture all relevant studies due to potential publication bias, which could skew prevalence estimates.
Variability in study methodologies and diagnostic criteria may affect the reliability of prevalence estimates.
Conclusion:
There is a critical need to enhance the diagnosis and reporting of PCOS through targeted education and improved diagnostic practices to better reflect its true prevalence and mitigate associated health risks.
