The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society criteria for the polycystic ovary syndrome: the complete task force report
February 2009
in “Fertility and Sterility”
TLDR The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
The 2009 report by the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Task Force established criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), defining it by the presence of hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical), ovarian dysfunction (oligo-anovulation and/or polycystic ovaries), and the exclusion of related disorders. The Task Force reviewed literature from 1980 to 2005, focusing on studies with over 100 subjects, and found strong evidence of PCOS's familial pattern and its multifactorial polygenic nature. They reported that 67% of women with alopecia had polycystic ovaries, 36.5% of 109 premenopausal women with alopecia had PCOS, and 27.1% of women with menstrual dysfunction had PCOS. The prevalence of PCOS was higher in women with hirsutism compared to those with alopecia only. The report also discussed the prevalence of metabolic and reproductive abnormalities in PCOS, noting that 50% to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, and 33% to over 50% have metabolic syndrome in the US. Thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia were found to be relatively rare in PCOS patients. The Task Force recommended routine screening for 21-hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) in hyperandrogenic women, especially in high-risk populations, but not for Cushing's syndrome or androgen-secreting neoplasms unless symptoms are present. The report concluded that PCOS is primarily a hyperandrogenic disorder and that the definition of PCOS would likely evolve with new research findings.
View this study on fertstert.org →
Cited in this study
research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism
Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
research A Detailed Investigation of Hirsutism in a Turkish Population: Idiopathic Hyperandrogenemia as a Perplexing Issue
The main cause of excessive hair growth in Turkish women is Polycystic ovary syndrome, but in about one fifth of cases, the reason for high male hormone levels is unknown.
research Thyroid Dysfunction and Women's Reproductive Health
Thyroid problems can negatively affect women's reproductive health and pregnancy, and can cause symptoms like fatigue and depression, but not all women with these symptoms need treatment.
research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients
Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
research Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
research Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome
The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
research Prevalence of polycystic ovaries in women with androgenic alopecia
Women with androgenic alopecia are more likely to have polycystic ovaries and higher androgen levels, which may indicate PCOS.
research Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the performance of basal serum hormone profiles for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in epidemiological studies
Low SHBG and high FAI, FT, and DHEAS levels are effective in identifying PCOS.
research Polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin-resistant hyperinsulinemia
research Relationship of the metabolic syndrome and obesity to polycystic ovary syndrome: A controlled, population-based study
Metabolic syndrome and PCOS are related but separate conditions, with metabolic syndrome increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
research Role of androgens in female-pattern androgenetic alopecia, either alone or associated with other symptoms of hyperandrogenism
Androgens significantly affect female hair loss, and hormonal treatments may help.
research Screening for 21-hydroxylase–deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia among hyperandrogenic women: a prospective study
Testing basal 17-HP levels is a good way to screen for nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women with high androgen levels.
research A prospective study of the prevalence of clear-cut endocrine disorders and polycystic ovaries in 350 patients presenting with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia
Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
Related
research Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.
Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society criteria for the polycystic ovary syndrome: the complete task force report
The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.