The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Position Statement from the European Society of Endocrinology

The European Society of Endocrinology's 2014 position statement on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) covers a range of topics related to the condition. It discusses the challenges in defining PCOS, particularly during adolescence and menopause, and the transition between different PCOS phenotypes. The statement highlights the metabolic issues associated with PCOS, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance, emphasizing the role of obesity as a critical risk factor. It recommends liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for accurate androgen level measurement and acknowledges the need for further research on markers like anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and vitamin D. The document also explores the relationship between PCOS and cardiovascular risk factors, the psychological impact of the condition, and the importance of lifestyle modifications and treatments like metformin and bariatric surgery for managing obesity and metabolic comorbidities. For menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, and androgenetic alopecia, it recommends low-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and anti-androgen therapy, with a focus on individualized, long-term management. The statement also discusses fertility treatments, noting that weight reduction is the first-choice treatment for reproductive dysfunction in overweight and obese women, and clomiphene citrate (CC) is the first-choice for inducing ovulation. The document does not specify the number of people involved in the studies it references and calls for more research on PCOS etiology, diagnostics, and treatment.