Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on non-pregnant women newly diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria. Clinical history, anthropometric measurements and modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores were obtained. Lipid profile, 75-grams oral glucose tolerance test and serum AST/ALT levels were determined. Liver ultrasound was used to diagnose NAFLD after excluding other causes of liver disease.

Results: Thirty-five women with PCOS (mean age: 25.74+5.23 years, mean body mass index: 25.81+4.96 kg/m2) were included; of which 48.57% (17/35) had NAFLD. Women with NAFLD had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, mFG score, 2-hour blood glucose level and AST/ALT levels and had greater prevalence of overall obesity, central obesity and elevated aminotransferases. They also had greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome and had higher total cholesterol and lower HDL levels but the differences were not statistically significant. No difference in age was also found.

Conclusion: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequent in women with PCOS and is associated with overall obesity, central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, hirsutism and elevated aminotransferases. Women with PCOS should be screened for NAFLD especially those with features of metabolic syndrome.