The Impact of Body Mass Index on Clinical and Sonographic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Cross-Sectional Study

Background & Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with obesity exacerbating its metabolic and hormonal complications. This study was conducted with aim to evaluate the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical/sonographic features in PCOS women.Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to August 2024. The participants were categorized into BMI groups: underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (≥30). Clinical data (menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, infertility) and transvaginal/transabdominal ultrasound measurements were collected. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 25) and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. P≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: Participants’ mean age was 26.43±6.315 years; 63.4% had BMI≥25, with 36% obese class I. High BMI correlated significantly with hirsutism (P=0.001), infertility (P=0.001), and combined symptoms (oligomenorrhea + hirsutism, P=0.001). Married women predominantly presented with infertility (n=60), while single women showed higher hirsutism prevalence (P=0.001). Ultrasound revealed that 80% of high-BMI women exhibited ≥1 PCOS symptom versus 20% with normal BMI. No significant link emerged between BMI and ovarian volume >10 mL.Conclusion: Elevated BMI strongly associates severe PCOS manifestations, particularly hirsutism and infertility. Ovarian volume, while a diagnostic criterion, requires integration with clinical and biochemical assessments for accurate diagnosis.