Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Common Reproductive and Metabolic Disorder Necessitating Early Recognition and Treatment

The document from 2007 highlights Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as a common endocrine disorder affecting 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age, with significant reproductive and metabolic implications. It underscores the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the emotional impact of symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and infertility, and to lower the risk of serious health issues like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), strokes, and myocardial infarction. The document details the pathogenesis of PCOS, its clinical manifestations, and the criteria for diagnosis, noting that 50% to 75% of women with the condition remain undiagnosed. It also discusses the association between PCOS and insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of screening for these comorbidities. Treatment options mentioned include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy with drugs like metformin and thiazolidinediones, and the management of cosmetic concerns with anti-androgen treatments. The document calls for comprehensive evaluation and treatment to manage PCOS and its associated risks, while acknowledging the need for more long-term outcome data on metabolic interventions for PCOS.