Overview of Long-Term Morbidity and Economic Cost of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

The long- and short-term morbidities associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) result in significant economic costs. Using figures obtained in the United States, it has been estimated that the total annual cost of evaluating and providing care to reproductive-aged women with PCOS in the United States is $4.37 billion. The initial diagnostic evaluation represented only 2.3% of costs; hormonally treating menstrual dysfunction/abnormal uterine bleeding represented 30.9%, infertility care 12.2%, type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment 40.4%, and treatment of hirsutism 14.2% of total costs. These data indicate that PCOS represents a significant economic burden to health care. Furthermore, because the cost of the diagnostic evaluation accounted for a relatively minor part of the total costs ({\textasciitilde}2%), more widespread and liberal screening for the disorder appears be a cost-effective strategy, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention and possibly the amelioration and prevention of serious sequelae.