What every physician should know about polycystic ovary syndrome
September 2008
in “Dermatologic therapy”
TLDR Doctors should know how to diagnose and treat PCOS, which often involves checking for high male hormone levels and using medications to manage symptoms.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is identified as the most prevalent endocrine disorder leading to hirsutism, acne, and pattern alopecia, primarily caused by ovarian dysfunction and often exacerbated by insulin resistance. The document recommends evaluating for hyperandrogenemia in women presenting with significant hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, acanthosis nigricans, or severe obesity, while also conducting thorough endocrinologic assessments to exclude other hyperandrogenic conditions. Ultrasonography is useful for differential diagnosis and may reveal polycystic ovaries, which have been recognized as a diagnostic criterion alongside oligo-anovulation. Treatment options for PCOS vary based on the patient's desire for pregnancy, with common non-pregnancy-focused therapies including oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, and insulin-lowering medications, although the latter has minimal impact on hirsutism.
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