Correlation Between Athlete Status and Clinical Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Collegiate Females

Background This study examined the correlation between athlete status and clinical features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in collegiate females between the ages of 18 and 22. Methods This was an anonymous, online survey-based correlational study. Survey invitations were emailed to athletic directors and science department chairpersons at colleges and universities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey for distribution to students. Survey items asked about respondents' general medical history, clinical signs associated with PCOS, physical activity, and diet. Correlations were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results Collegiate female athletes (n = 164) were less likely than non-athletes (n = 278) to report hyperandrogenism (2 (1.2%) vs. 15 (5.4%), p = 0.02742), menstrual irregularity (24 (14.6%) vs. 65 (23.4%), p = 0.02674), anti-androgen medication use (0 (0%) vs. 11 (4.0%), p = 0.008496), or PCOS diagnosis (5 (3.0%) vs. 26 (9.4%), p = 0.01218). No significant correlation was found with athlete status and acne, hirsutism, or special diet. Positive correlations of BMI with menstrual irregularity and PCOS diagnosis were consistent with previous studies. No significant correlation was found with BMI and acne, hyperandrogenism, or anti-androgen medication use. Conclusions There was an association between being a collegiate athlete and reduced prevalence of PCOS diagnosis, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual irregularity. Further studies are needed to determine if physical activity, at the level of a collegiate athlete, may help reduce the clinical expression of PCOS diagnostic features.