Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Overview and Treatment

The document from 2010 provides an overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder affecting 6% to 7% of women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms such as insulin resistance, obesity, menstrual dysfunction, and infertility. It outlines the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria, which require two of the following: oligo- or anovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Treatments focus on symptom management and risk reduction, with weight management being crucial. Pharmacological therapies include metformin, thiazolidinediones, and clomiphene citrate, the latter being effective in causing live births but with a higher incidence of multiple births. Other treatments mentioned are medroxyprogesterone acetate, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, spironolactone, and eflornithine. The document emphasizes the pharmacist's role in treatment management and lifestyle improvement for women with PCOS.