TOTAL PROSTATIC SPECIFIC ANTIGEN IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH HIRSUTISM AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), traditionally associated with male physiology, has recently gained attention as a potential biomarker in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Emerging evidence suggests its role in reflecting hyperandrogenic states, making it a candidate marker for diagnosing androgen excess in females with PCOS.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the average total PSA levels in women diagnosed with PCOS who present with hirsutism at a tertiary care facility in Hyderabad.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Bilawal Medical College, CDF Hospital, Hyderabad.

STUDY DURATION: Conducted over six months, from February 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE: Non-probability consecutive sampling

SAMPLE SIZE: A total of 146 women with a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS and clinical signs of hirsutism were included in the study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women aged 20 to 45 years, diagnosed with PCOS and hirsutism, and were enrolled. Blood samples were analyzed to determine total PSA levels. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies with percentages for categorical variables, were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Most participants were between 30–39 years old (45.9%), resided in urban areas (52.1%), were unemployed (67.8%), had a family income of ≤75,000 PKR per month (56.2%), and were single (56.8%). A statistically significant association was observed between PSA levels and variables such as age, marital status, occupation, income, and parity. No significant association was found between PSA levels and place of residence.

CONCLUSION: Elevated PSA levels were observed in PCOS patients with hirsutism, supporting its potential as a biochemical indicator of hyperandrogenism in women. This highlights the possible clinical relevance of PSA in the evaluation and monitoring of androgen excess in PCOS.