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SUSCEPTIBILITY TO POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AND TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN GEORGIA

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects the function of the ovaries. PCOS causes an abnormal release of GnRH, and can lead to outcomes such as ovarian cancer, infertility and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this project was to systematically review the available literature on PCOS to answer the following questions: Are African Americans females more likely to be affected by PCOS than other groups of women? How do health factors like diabetes interact with PCOS? What prevention or treatment options are available to African American women with PCOS in Geogia? We used the GALILEO search engine through Piedmont University’s Library System to perform a systematic search of the available PCOS literature. We were specifically looking for evidence of a genetic basis to PCOS, which would indicate the potential for heightened vulnerability for different ethnic groups, such as African Americans. Interactions with type II diabetes and other disorders would be evidenced by studies showing statistical correlation or causal relationship between PCOS and those conditions. The published outcomes of studies which tested treatment options were reviewed with the tested options compared based on their outcomes and relative costs or benefits. A targeted search narrowed the number of relevant papers to just over 1,600, ordered by relevance. We drew 25 papers that related to PCOS from the 100 top listed items. From those papers we found evidence of a genetic basis to PCOS, but not one associated with a specific racial or ethnic group. We also found connections between PCOS and type II diabetes, and a variety of treatment options. A further search of non-academic media sources, such as google, provided a picture of available treatment services in Georgia.

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