Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OverviewPCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in adult women as it affects about 8% of all women. It is very important to understand that this a Syndrome which therefore reflects multiple potential causes and has variable appearances.

Clinical Features

The key features of PCOS are irregular or reduced ovulation, evidence of excess male hormones, infertility, ovaries with multiple cysts, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of PCOS is not based on a blood test or genetic marker. Rather this is a clinical diagnosis-of-exclusion based on several possible diagnostic criteria. The most commonly used criteria is called the Rotterdam Criteria.

Treatment

Once the diagnosis of PCOS is made then there are several important considerations to be reviewed between the physician and the patient. The most important long term consequences (higher than contro groups) of PCOS

Diabetes mellitus, prediabetes,
Infertility
Sleep apnea
Irregular menses
Hirsutism
Fatty liver disease
Theoretical increased risk of endometrial cancers, and the effect of excess male hormones on a body. There is no one specific medication for PCOS. The medications used in the treatment of PCOS are directed at affecting the long term consequences of the disease.