Mini Review on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition affecting 5-10% of women of childbearing age, with significant genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive implications, leading to increased risks of infertility, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer. Diagnosis is challenging, especially in adolescents, due to the overlap of normal pubertal changes with PCOS symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen effects, and insulin resistance. PCOS is diagnosed when any two of the following three criteria are met: lack of ovulation, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts, which can be detected via ultrasonography. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, birth control pills, metformin, anti-androgens, and other acne treatments and hair removal techniques, with weight loss and fertility medications like clomiphene or metformin to improve fertility. September is recognized as PCOS awareness month to raise awareness and encourage early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the risk of serious complications.