The Effect of Body Mass Index on Acne, Hirsutism and Menstrual Irregularity Symptoms in Turkish Adolescent Girls

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) influences polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) related symptoms such as acne, hirsutism and menstrual irregularity in a large healthy adolescent population. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all volunteer female students at 15 different secondary schools. The subjects' BMI, birthweight, age at menarche, pattern of menstrual cycle and presence of acne or hirsutism complaints were recorded. Subjects with BMI of = 18.4 kg/m 2, 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2), 25-29.9 kg/m(2) and > 30 kg/m(2) were defined as group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4, respectively. The relation between BMI and the symptoms of acne, hirsutism and menstrual irregularity was analyzed. Results: A total of 1309 students filled the questionnaires properly and included in the study. Of these students, 314 were in group 1, 899 in group 2, 81 in group 3 and 15 in group 4. The median ages of participants were 16 years (range 13-20 years) and median age at menarche was 13 years (range of 11-16 years). A total of 106 (8.1%) participants reported various menstrual irregularity. Underweighed girls had significantly less acne (p= 0.001) and hirsutism problems (p<0.001) compared to normo weighed girls. Hirsutism incidence was significantly higher in overweighed girls than in normo weighed subjects (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study provided the prevalence of PCOS related symptoms in population, including menstrual irregularity, acne and hirsutism according to BMI in a large adolescent population. Our results showed that menstrual irregularity was not significantly increased as BMI increased, however acne and hirsutism problems were significantly increased as BMI increased.