Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Comprehensive Review
A comprehensive overview of the PCOS epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic standards, and therapeutic choices is provided to enhance the understanding of PCOS among healthcare professionals.
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine illness that affects people of reproductive age and is characterized by a variety of clinical, hormonal, and metabolic aspects. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the PCOS epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic standards, and therapeutic choices. Worldwide estimates of PCOS prevalence among women of reproductive age range from 5% to 20%. This syndrome is well known for being complex in nature, encompassing both genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism, and an ultrasound showing polycystic ovarian morphology are frequent clinical symptoms. Several sets of diagnostic criteria, such as the Rotterdam criteria and the National Institutes of Health standards, are available, but accurate diagnosis is still essential. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity are among the metabolic disorders that are more likely to develop in people with PCOS. Long-term health effects include an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. Improvements in hormonal imbalances, metabolic abnormalities, and fertility outcomes are the main goals of therapeutic interventions, which are individualized to the patient's presentation and goals and include both lifestyle changes and pharmaceutical therapies. this review collects the most recent research results and clinical insights to enhance the understanding of PCOS among healthcare professionals.