A practical approach to the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is primarily achieved through clinical history and physical findings. The principle features are hirsutism or biochemical evidence of excess androgen production and irregular menstrual bleeding caused by the chronic anovulation. Associated findings i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 191; no. 3; pp. 713 - 717
Main Author Jeffrey Chang, R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Philadelphia, PA Mosby, Inc 01.09.2004
Elsevier
Subjects
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone - blood
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital
Androgens
Androgens - biosynthesis
Anovulation
Biological and medical sciences
Cushing Syndrome
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate - blood
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Female genital diseases
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Hirsutism
Hirsutism - complications
Humans
Hyperinsulinism
Insulin Resistance
Medical sciences
Non tumoral diseases
Obesity
Ovary - diagnostic imaging
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - diagnosis
Testosterone - blood
Theca Cells - pathology
Ultrasonography
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Androgens
Hirsutism
Ovarian diseases
Gynecology
Cyst
Female sterility
Benign neoplasm
Diagnosis
Polycystic ovary
Polycystic ovary syndrome Hirsutism Androgens
Obstetrics
Female genital diseases
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Summary:The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is primarily achieved through clinical history and physical findings. The principle features are hirsutism or biochemical evidence of excess androgen production and irregular menstrual bleeding caused by the chronic anovulation. Associated findings include insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinemia and obesity. Ultrasound imaging of the ovary has facilitated the diagnosis. It is important to exclude conditions that may mimic PCOS, such as hyperthecosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and androgen-producing neoplasms. These disorders are usually revealed by appropriate laboratory assessment. Screening tests include measurement of serum total testosterone, DHEA sulfate, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. In addition, in the obese individual, determinations of glucose and insulin levels, as well as a lipid profile, are highly recommended.
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ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2004.04.045