Rising Incidence, Health Resource Utilization, and Costs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the United Kingdom

Trends in incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and effects on health resource utilization are unclear.

To describe trends in prevalence and incidence of PCOS in the United Kingdom. To establish healthcare resource use and associated costs.

Data were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and Hospital Episode Statistics databases. Point prevalence and incidence were calculated (2004-2020). Patients with PCOS were matched to controls (1:1) by age, body mass index, and primary care practice. Primary care contacts were assigned an average cost and prescription items assigned a net ingredient cost. Inpatient admissions and outpatient consultations were processed into healthcare resource groups and costed to the national tariff.

PCOS incidence increased from 1.22 per 1000 person years in 2004 to 1.77 (2012) and 2.20 (2019). Point prevalence increased from 1.02% (2004) to 2.2% (2012) and 3.5% (2020), and was highest in Asians. Mean contacts per person year (ppy) for patients with PCOS vs controls were 0.48 vs 0.29 for inpatients (P < .001), 3.81 vs 2.15 for outpatients (P < .001), and 6.43 vs 4.68 (P < .001) for primary care. Mean healthcare costs (ppy) were £837 vs £493 (P < .001) for inpatients, £444 vs £253 (P < .001) for outpatients, £157 vs £112 for primary care, and £109 vs £83 (P < .001) for primary care prescriptions. Total healthcare contacts ppy were 10.72 vs 7.11 (P < .001) and total associated costs £1546 vs £940 (P < .001).

The incidence of PCOS has risen significantly. Health resource utilization and costs of PCOS are significantly greater than controls.