Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in women with a multi-factorial etiology, and presents not just a diagnostic dilemma but also a therapeutic challenge as well. The clinical features of the syndrome in adolescents result from hyperandrogenemia and oligo/anovulation. Most women presenting with non-pregnancy related secondary amenorrhea, oligomenorrhoea, acne, hirsutism, and infertility have PCOS. Consensus diagnostic criteria have been developed by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and American Society of Reproduction (Rotterdam criteria). PCOS needs to be suspected, recognized, and treated to prevent some long term complications. Treatment modalities need to be individualized to address the specific concerns of each female presenting with this entity. This article reviews the diagnosis and principles of management of PCOS.