Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Comprehensive Management in Primary Care

The document from 2002 provides a comprehensive overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrino-metabolic disorder affecting 3.5%-11% of premenopausal women in the US. It is characterized by symptoms such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and chronic anovulation, leading to a variety of health issues including menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer. The document emphasizes the importance of primary care clinicians in recognizing and managing PCOS due to its diverse presentations and significant health implications. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory evaluations and sometimes imaging. Management strategies include lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy with oral contraceptives and anti-androgens, and insulin sensitizers like metformin and thiazolidinediones, which have shown favorable impacts on PCOS symptoms. The document also notes the potential of investigational treatments and the importance of addressing psychosocial issues associated with PCOS.