A Modern View of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
January 2020
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS Rotterdam criteria oligo/anovulation clinical hyperandrogenism polycystic ovaries biochemical hyperandrogenism oral contraceptives metformin antiandrogens inositol ovulation induction agents laparoscopic ovarian drilling in vitro fertilization birth control pills IVF
TLDR The article concludes that better diagnosis and management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are needed to improve women's health and prevent related diseases.
The 2020 article reviewed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), affecting 8-13% of women of reproductive age, highlighting the need for better diagnosis and management to improve life quality, fertility, and prevent cardiovascular issues. Diagnosis is based on the Rotterdam criteria, requiring two out of three features: oligo/anovulation, clinical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, while ruling out other conditions. The review discusses the National Institute of Health's 2012 PCOS phenotypes for personalized treatment, the challenges in diagnosing ovulatory dysfunction, especially in adolescents, and the need for accurate assessment of biochemical hyperandrogenism. It evaluates clinical signs of hyperandrogenism using specific scales and notes the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and endometrial cancer in PCOS patients, recommending regular monitoring and lifestyle changes. Mental health issues are also more common, requiring screening and support. Treatment options include oral contraceptives, metformin, antiandrogens, inositol, ovulation induction agents, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and in vitro fertilization. The authors call for more research but acknowledge the value of current evidence-based recommendations for managing PCOS.
