Association between fibrocystic breast disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome phenotypes: A cross-sectional study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age and is associated with various hormonal and metabolic complications.

This study aimed to investigate the association between PCOS and fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) and to analyze the prevalence of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes.

In this cross-sectional study, data of 120 women diagnosed with either FBD or PCOS who referred to Kamali hospital, affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran from March 2024-March 2025 were extracted from their medical records. Participants were divided into 2 groups: PCOS (n = 65) and control (n = 55). The prevalence of FBD was compared between the PCOS and control groups. Furthermore, the distribution of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes (A-D) based on the Rotterdam criteria was analyzed. Hormonal profiles (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, anti-Müllerian hormone) and metabolic parameters were also compared between the groups.

The prevalence of FBD was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (58.3% vs. 30%; p = 0.003). The highest prevalence of FBD was observed in phenotype A (81.8%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that having PCOS increased the risk of developing FBD by more than 3 times (odds ratio = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.51-6.45). Levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were significantly elevated in the PCOS group.

The findings of this study indicate that PCOS, particularly in phenotypes associated with hyperandrogenism and anovulation, is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of FBD. These results underscore the importance of breast health screening and monitoring in women with PCOS.