Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Management

    September 2005 in “ Practical diabetes
    PS Kar, MH Cummings
    TLDR PCOS is a condition causing irregular periods, excess male hormones, and infertility, often managed by targeting insulin resistance and specific symptoms.
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was identified as the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, with a prevalence ranging from 5-21% depending on diagnostic criteria. The pathogenesis involved genetic factors, ovarian and adrenal hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. Clinical features included hirsutism, acne, male pattern baldness, menstrual disturbances, and obesity. Diagnosis relied on clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic criteria. Treatment focused on weight loss, managing hirsutism, and addressing insulin resistance, with weight loss significantly improving symptoms. Various treatments were discussed, including insulin sensitizers, anti-androgens, eflornithine cream, OCP, and infertility treatments. Regular screening for type 2 diabetes and hypertension was recommended due to associated risks, and patient education and cardiovascular risk management were emphasized.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 12 results

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  53 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  449 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community Why balding gets worse in every generation?

      in Chat  81 upvotes 6 months ago
      Balding seems to worsen with each generation, possibly due to stress, diet, and environmental factors. The user started treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results