ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 108: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
September 2009
in “
Obstetrics & Gynecology
”
New to Metformin? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism insulin resistance obesity type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease weight loss hormonal contraceptives insulin-sensitizing agents metformin Clomiphene citrate infertility hirsutism laser treatments birth control pills Clomid excess hair laser hair removal
Studysummary This review examines the best available evidence for diagnosing and managing PCOS but reports no new clinical results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 108 from 2009 provided guidelines for diagnosing and managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing the lack of a universally accepted definition and the importance of excluding other causes of hyperandrogenism. It noted that insulin resistance is commonly associated with PCOS and that obesity can exacerbate its effects. The bulletin recommended screening for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS and suggested weight loss, hormonal contraceptives, and insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin for treatment. Clomiphene citrate was recommended as the first-line treatment for infertility, with other interventions suggested if it fails. For hirsutism, no single treatment was identified as superior, but various medical and laser treatments were discussed. The recommendations were based on varying levels of evidence, with many relying on limited evidence or expert opinion.
