Medication Use Patterns among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Sabrata, Libya: A Retrospective Study
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility and is considered a chronic, lifelong condition that often begins during adolescence. Particularly, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are variable. Due to the lack of standardized PCOS management recommendations, in Libya, an assessment of current clinical practices is necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hormonal profiles, medication use, body measures, and management practices of women with PCOS who attended several private health care facilities in Sabrata, western Libya. A retrospective study was conducted on 148 PCOS women using a data collection form designed by the researchers during the period from December 2024 to June 2025. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and the paired–samples t-test was applied to compare pre- and post-treatment measurements. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of participants were married (71.6%) compared to 28.4% single, with a mean age of 22.9 ± 5.7 years. It is evident that the highest proportion of tests focused on Prolactin, FSH, and LH, each accounting for 24.26% of all tests performed (148 cases each). The TSH test ranked next with 9.67% (59 cases), and other tests such as Estradiol (5.57%), Testosterone (5.41%), and Vitamin D (4.43%) were performed less frequently. In terms of treatment, Metformin was the most commonly used treatment (18.75% of the prescribed regimens), followed by Inositol or Celine tablet (13.46%), then lifestyle modification (12.5%), and Clomiphene (9.61%). These findings show a varied approach to managing PCOS in Sabrata, mainly using Metformin, Inositol, and lifestyle management. Significant improvements in key hormonal levels and weight support the effectiveness of current methods.