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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Updated 4/2011

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of unknown etiology.
  • PCOS is a complex disorder characterized by a state of chronic oligoovulation or anovulation, associated with functional androgen excess, and manifesting most commonly as oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.
  • System(s) affected: Reproductive; Endocrine/Metabolic; Skin/Exocrine
  • Synonym(s): Stein-Leventhal syndrome; polycystic ovary disease
ALERT:
  • Condition may begin at puberty.
  • Pregnancy does not resolve the syndrome.
  • Predisposes to and associated with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, infertility, insulin-resistance syndrome
Epidemiology
Prevalence
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6.6–6.8% of women of reproductive age. (1)
  • Much higher in oligoamenorrheic women
  • Predominant age: Reproductive age
  • Predominant sex: Females only
Risk Factors

See “Commonly Associated ...

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See Also
Images >
FIG. 28.10.Infertility. A: Mature follicle (between cursors) containing a small protrusion from the posterior wall representing the cumulus oophorus. B: Image taken during follicular aspiration showing echogenic needle tip within deflating mature follicle. C: Classic appearance of ovary seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome ("string of pearls").Credit: NA
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