Controversies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
February 2018
in “
InTech eBooks
”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS insulin resistance serum progesterone transvaginal ultrasonography hyperandrogenism hirsutism acne alopecia anti-androgens oral contraceptives spironolactone finasteride dutasteride metformin endometrial cancer ovarian cancer BMI progesterone ultrasound high androgen levels excessive hair growth pimples hair loss birth control pills Aldactone Propecia Avodart Glucophage body mass index
TLDR Diagnosing and treating PCOS is complex due to differing criteria and requires a team approach.
The document from 2018 discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), noting the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, with the NIH and Rotterdam criteria being the most recognized. It addresses the role of insulin resistance in PCOS and various diagnostic methods, including serum progesterone measurement and transvaginal ultrasonography. The document also covers treatment options for hyperandrogenism symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and alopecia, mentioning lifestyle changes, anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and the use of spironolactone, finasteride, and dutasteride. Metformin is presented as an alternative therapy, especially for those with metabolic issues. The complexity of diagnosing PCOS in adolescents is acknowledged due to the similarity of symptoms with normal puberty. Additionally, it suggests that women with PCOS may have an increased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer but not breast cancer, with BMI as a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer. The document underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to manage PCOS effectively.
