Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include menstrual cycle disturbance and features of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne and alopecia), with associated fertility problems, obesity and psychological issues.
Abstract
The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include menstrual cycle disturbance and features of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne and alopecia), with associated fertility problems, obesity and psychological issues. There are ethnic variations in expression of PCOS related to differences in insulin metabolism and this may impact upon treatment algorithms. Obesity has a major impact on the expression of PCOS and the efficacy of the management of all aspects of the syndrome, in particular infertility. The management of anovulatory infertility involves lifestyle modification and therapies to induce ovulation, namely clomifene citrate, gonadotrophin therapy and laparoscopic ovarian diathermy. For those who do not wish to conceive the management of menstrual problems requires prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma and consideration of the long term metabolic risks.