Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adult Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinometabolic disorder characterized by an excess of androgen production, leading to dermocosmetic, reproductive, and metabolic alterations. It is the most common metabolic endocrinopathy in women of childbearing age, with a worldwide prevalence of 6% to 15%. The disorder's etiology is complex and multifactorial, involving both environmental factors and genetic variants. The most frequent clinical manifestation of androgen excess is hirsutism, defined as an excess of terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas. Treatment of PCOS is personalized, aiming to reduce the psycho-emotional impact of dermocutaneous manifestations, prevent endometrial hyperplasia, increase fertility, and prevent or treat metabolic complications. The study was funded by the Carlos III Health Institute, Health Research Fund.