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    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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    Apr.10.2025

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Synopsis

    Key Points

    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that occurs in about 5% to 10%r1 of reproductive-aged females
    • Common clinical manifestations include oligomenorrhea, acne, and hirsutism
    • Diagnosis is made when at least 2 of the following occur: hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical), ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovarian morphologic features
    • Important comorbidities include obesity, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease)
    • Treatment addresses several issues, including overweight or obesity, metabolic abnormalities, anovulation, acne, hirsutism, endometrial protection, infertility, and cardiovascular risk factors
    • For most components of disease, primary treatment is weight loss through lifestyle modification r2
    • First line pharmacologic therapy is oral contraceptives, which are effective for reducing signs of hyperandrogenism and regulating menstrual cycle r3
    • Additional pharmacologic options include metformin to treat metabolic dysfunction and clomiphene or letrozole to induce ovulation r4r5
    • Complications include those related to pregnancy (eg, increased risk of adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes) and increased risks of endometrial cancer, nonfatal stroke, and possibly cardiovascular events r6
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disorder, and pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle measures to improve metabolic and endocrine status are intended to reduce risk of future cardiovascular disease r7

    Pitfalls

    • Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome should not be ruled out on the basis of androgen levels that fall within the reference range; polycystic ovary syndrome remains a possibility if all other diagnostic criteria are met and there is clinical evidence of hyperandrogenemia
      • Biochemical hyperandrogenemia is not always demonstrable with laboratory assays, often because of inadequate methods r8
    • Some females with hyperandrogenism and eumenorrhea still have chronic anovulation and may be considered to be affected by polycystic ovary syndrome r9
      • 15% to 40% of females with hyperandrogenism and regular menses have ovulatory dysfunction r3
    • Rapid onset and progression of virilizing signs (eg, male pattern hair growth, deepening of voice, clitoromegaly) are not typical of polycystic ovary syndrome and are worrisome for underlying ovarian or adrenal neoplasm r9

    Terminology

    Clinical Clarification

    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder presenting in reproductive-aged females
    • Diagnostic criteria require at least 2 of the following abnormalities: hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or biochemical), ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovarian morphologic features r10
    • People with polycystic ovary syndrome have reproductive and metabolic abnormalities, and they are at risk for infertility, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular disease
    • This condition is estimated to occur in about 5% to 10% of reproductive-aged females r1

    Diagnosis

    Clinical Presentation

    History

    • Reproductive history
      • Menstrual dysfunction occurs in 75% to 85% of patients r9
        • Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea (infrequent or absent menstrual bleeding) is the most common pattern, with most intervals longer than 35 days r3c1c2
        • Polymenorrhea (less than 21-day intervals) is relatively rare r3c3
        • Onset is usually in adolescence; may start at menarche or shortly thereafter r9
        • In some adolescents, this condition is noted by the absence of established regular menses r3
        • Ovulatory dysfunction can be subclinical with no obvious disruption in regularity of vaginal bleeding r9
          • 15% to 40% of females with hyperandrogenism and regular menses have ovulatory dysfunction r3
      • History of infertility
        • Common presenting issue; nearly 70% of patients report infertility r11c4
    • Hair and skin concerns
      • Excessive terminal body hair growth is a common concern c5
      • Hirsutism develops gradually and worsens with weight gain c6c7
      • Acne can occur with hirsutism; overall, acne is less common as a presenting concern (15%-30% of patients) r12c8
        • During adolescence, acne is not considered a firm sign of hyperandrogenism; however, if it persists into the mid-20s or -30s, it is often a sign of hyperandrogenism r4
      • Hair loss, when it occurs, is most pronounced over vertex or crown and spares frontal hairline r1c9

    Physical examination

    • Signs of hyperandrogenism
      • Hirsutism (about 75% of patients; more severe in patients with abdominal obesityr13) c10
        • Excessive terminal hair that appears in a male pattern (eg, chest, midline lower abdomen, above lip)
          • Terminal hairs grow more than 5 mm in length, are pigmented, and have a central core of compacted cells, which results in a denser color and coarser feel and shape r14
          • Substantial numbers of terminal hairs over chin, neck, lower face, and sideburns indicate androgen excess r4
        • Ferriman-Gallwey score of 8 or higher is generally considered representative of hirsutism r15
      • Acne (60% of patients, at some point) r16c11
      • Acanthosis nigricans (37% of patients) r16r17c12
      • Androgenic alopecia (about 5% of patientsr8) c13
        • Typically affects vertex or crown in diffuse pattern r4
      • Acrochordons c14
    • Ovulatory dysfunction
      • Some ovarian cysts may be palpated as adnexal swelling or masses, but most cysts in polycystic ovary syndrome are nonpalpable (and many cases of the syndrome involve no cysts) c15c16
    • Overweight or obesity (about 75% of patientsr18) c17
      • Central distribution of adiposity may also be present in those with BMI in reference range r19
        • Overweight: BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher
        • Obese: BMI of 28 kg/m² or higher
        • Waist circumference greater than 88 cm is considered abdominal obesity in females
        • Waist to hip ratio greater than 0.8 is considered unhealthy

    Causes and Risk Factors

    Causes

    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a multifactorial disorder that arises from the interaction of abnormal genetic, metabolic, endocrine, and environmental factors contributing to disease r20c18
    • Inherent abnormalities of ovarian steroidogenesis and follicular development are involved in pathogenesis r3c19c20
    • Additional endocrine abnormalities include rapid pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, an excess of luteinizing hormone, and insufficient follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, all of which contribute to excessive ovarian androgen production and ovulatory dysfunction r3c21c22

    Risk factors and/or associations

    Age
    • Usually begins to present during adolescence, but disorder manifests well into adulthood c23c24
    • Prevalence of menstrual dysfunction declines with age, particularly as menopause nears r21c25c26c27
    Genetics
    • Clusters in families and both female and male relatives can show stigmata of the syndrome r22c28
    • Complex, polygenic disorder with multiple alleles associated with a small degree of risk r22c29
      • Genome-wide association studies implicate many genes, including: r23
        • LHCGR (luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)
        • FSHR (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor)
        • INSR (insulin receptor)
        • DENND1A (DENN domain–containing 1A)
        • THADA (THADA armadillo repeat–containing)
    Ethnicity/race
    • Ethnic variations affect phenotypic expression r22
      • Patients of European ancestry tend to display more midline hirsutism than those of East Asian ancestry c30c31
      • Patients of African ancestry have higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors c32c33
      • Hispanic patients are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes r24c34c35
      • Patients of Mediterranean ancestry tend to have more body hair than most patients of Asian ancestry, who have relatively little r25c36c37
    Other risk factors/associations
    • Associated with several cardiometabolic diseases or conditions that should be assessed and monitored
      • Obesity (about 75% of patients) r18c38
      • Type 2 diabetes (about 10% of patients) r26c39
      • Dyslipidemia (about 70% of patients) r27c40
      • Obstructive sleep apnea r28c41
      • MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease) c42
      • Subclinical vascular disease r29c43

    Diagnostic Procedures

    Primary diagnostic tools

    • Consider this diagnosis in any reproductive-aged female with clinical signs of hyperandrogenemia (most commonly, hirsutism) or irregular menstrual cycles c44
    • Diagnostic criteria (Rotterdam criteriar30) for adults require that at least 2 of the following 3 conditions be met: r10
      • Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism
        • Clinical hyperandrogenism may include hirsutism, acne, or androgenic alopecia
          • Assess degree of hirsutism using Ferriman-Gallwey score (8 or higher is generally considered abnormal) r15
        • Biochemical hyperandrogenemia is determined by elevated serum androgen level. An absolute diagnostic level does not exist for polycystic ovary syndrome owing to variability in testosterone assays and lack of laboratory test standardization
        • About 25% of patients do not exhibit clinical features of hyperandrogenism but have biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenemia r31
      • Oligo-ovulation or anovulation
        • Anovulation may manifest as frequent bleeding at intervals of fewer than 21 days or infrequent bleeding at intervals of more than 35 days
          • Cycle length longer than 35 days suggests chronic anovulation, but if cycle length is slightly longer than reference range (32-35 days) or slightly irregular, further testing for ovulatory dysfunction with progesterone levels is recommended r4
          • Ovulatory dysfunction can be reliably assessed only after 1 or more years have elapsed since menarche. Before 1 year, irregular cycles are part of the normal pubertal transition r32
        • Chronic anovulation can also be determined by eliciting history that the patient has fewer than 9 menstrual cycles annually r31
      • Ovarian size or morphology on pelvic ultrasonography
        • Polycystic ovary morphology is designated by a follicle number per ovary of 20 or more or an ovarian volume of 10 mL or more on either ovary, ensuring that no corpora lutea, cysts, or dominant follicles are present r33
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion r10
      • Common disorders that should be excluded include:
        • Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
        • Hyperprolactinemia
        • Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
      • When considering diagnosis, obtain laboratory tests to exclude other common conditions such as the following:
        • Serum TSH level to screen for thyroid dysfunction
        • Serum prolactin level to test for hyperprolactinemia
        • 17-Hydroxyprogesterone level (obtained before 8 AM) to test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia
      • Carefully consider (and exclude, if suspected) other diagnoses for select patients, depending on presentation, including:
        • Pregnancy
        • Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
        • Primary ovarian insufficiency
        • Androgen-secreting tumor
        • Cushing syndrome
        • Acromegaly
    • Diagnosis for an adolescent requires special considerations r34
      • Diagnosis for adolescents is controversial, because it is complicated by several factors r35
        • Many features of polycystic ovary syndrome (including acne, menstrual irregularities, and hyperinsulinemia) are common in normal puberty
        • Menstrual irregularities with anovulatory cycles and varied cycle length are common in adolescents for approximately 2 years after menarche owing to immaturity of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
        • Multicystic ovaries are a common normal finding in adolescents owing to natural ovarian development at menarche
      • Proposed criteria for diagnosis for adolescents include the otherwise unexplained combination of the following: r36
        • Abnormal uterine bleeding pattern that meets both of the following requirements:
          • Abnormal for gynecologic age (eg, ovulatory dysfunction that persists more than 2 years after menarche) r37
            • Cycles shorter than 19 days or longer than 90 days are abnormal at any stage r36
            • 75% of menstrual cycles range from 21 to 45 days during first postmenarchal (gynecologic) year r36
            • 95% of adolescents achieve 21- to 40-day adult menstrual cyclicity by fifth gynecologic year r36
          • Persistent symptoms for 1 to 2 years r37
        • Unequivocal evidence of hyperandrogenism, including at least 1 of the following:
          • Persistent testosterone elevation above adult reference range, obtained from a reliable reference laboratory
          • Moderate to severe hirsutism
          • Moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris, which is also an indication to test for hyperandrogenemia
      • Appropriate imaging criteria are not established for polycystic ovaries in adolescents r8
        • In adolescent females, large, multicystic ovaries are a common finding; therefore, ultrasonography is not a recommended investigation for patients younger than 17 years r4
    • Additional ancillary laboratory testing (eg, levels of gonadotropins, progesterone, antimüllerian hormone, and others to assist with differential diagnosis) may be helpful for select patients when diagnosis remains inconclusive or uncertain

    Laboratory

    • Serum androgen levels
      • As an initial assessment, measure both total testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin levels r22c45c46
        • Obtain these tests in the follicular phase (days 1-13 of the menstrual cycle) so that values may be compared with a matched reference range r9
        • Serum testosterone level above reference range indicates hyperandrogenemia
          • Total testosterone level greater than 150 nanograms/dL, particularly if found in a patient with abrupt or rapidly progressive symptoms, is concerning for an androgen-secreting tumor r3
        • Important factors to consider regarding assay methodology for total testosterone levels are as follows:
          • Most accurate total testosterone measurements are made using mass spectrometry after liquid or gas chromatography r38
          • Reference ranges vary according to the specific laboratory used
          • Many total testosterone radioimmunoassays are inconsistent and lack adequate sensitivity for females and children, especially at lower levels of testosterone (ie, less than 50 nanograms/dL) r39
          • Equilibrium dialysis methods are the gold standard but are almost never used owing to technical complexity and extreme costs r9
        • If sex hormone–binding globulin level is low (and total testosterone level is within reference range), estimate free testosterone level using calculations r38
          • Calculate free testosterone level using total testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin levels
            • Calculated free testosterone levels have a fairly good concordance and correlation with free testosterone levels, as measured by equilibrium dialysis methods
          • Online calculator using total testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin levels (plus empiric serum albumin level) is available r40
      • Tests of other measurable androgens that are usually not recommended include free testosterone level by direct assay, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level, and androstenedione level
        • Do not measure free testosterone level by direct assay; commercial direct free testosterone assays that use analog radioimmunoassays are unreliable and inaccurate in females c47
        • Bioactive testosterone (albumin bound)r14 and free androgen index (100 × [total testosterone/sex hormone–binding globulin])r1 are alternatives
        • Value of measuring levels of androgens other than testosterone is relatively low r5
          • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a precursor of a weak androgen and is a general marker of adrenal hyperandrogenism r41c48
            • Approximately 20% to 30% of patients have elevated levels r42
          • Androstenedione is another androgen precursor c49
            • Approximately 18% of patients have elevated levels
      • Reliable assessment of androgen levels is not possible for females using hormonal contraception owing to effects on production of sex hormone–binding globulin and androgens r33
    • Additional ancillary testing may be helpful for some patients
      • Serum gonadotropin c50
        • Excludes other conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency
        • Hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone occurs in a large proportion of patients r43
        • Random serum luteinizing hormone levels are not always a reliable diagnostic tool owing to the pulsatile nature of luteinizing hormone secretion and because obesity is associated with lower luteinizing hormone levels r9r44
        • Elevated luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio supports diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome; however, the absence of an elevated luteinizing hormone level is of no diagnostic value
      • Serum antimüllerian hormone r45c51
        • Levels may be elevated in polycystic ovary syndrome; thus, it serves as a discriminating test in differential diagnosis
        • Optimal threshold for distinguishing polycystic ovary syndrome varies both by age of patient and assay used r46
      • Serum progesterone c52
        • Serum progesterone level on days 20 to 24 of menstrual cycle is a useful test for determining anovulation r9
        • Generally, if progesterone level is below 3 to 4 nanograms/mL on days 20 to 24, the cycle is deemed to be oligo- or anovulatory r9
    • Required laboratory tests to exclude other common or similar conditions r10
      • Serum TSH c53
        • TSH level above upper reference limit could reflect hypothyroidism, whereas a level less than 0.1 milliunit/L could suggest hyperthyroidism
        • Further evaluate abnormal levels by measuring peripheral hormone levels (eg, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine)
      • Serum prolactin c54
        • Serum prolactin level above upper reference limit indicates hyperprolactinemia; further evaluation by an endocrinologist is recommended
      • Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone c55
        • Obtain early morning sample, before 8 AM
        • Basal follicular phase 17-hydroxyprogesterone level less than 200 nanograms/dL effectively rules out nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia r3
        • If the basal level falls near cutoff, a cosyntropin stimulation test is required (ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone level greater than 1000 nanograms/dL is found in nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia) r47

    Imaging

    • Pelvic ultrasonography (transvaginal approach is preferred)
      • Obtain for females with hyperandrogenemia and normal menstrual cycles or females with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea but without hyperandrogenemia c56c57c58
      • If a female has both oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea and clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, the diagnostic criteria have been met. Ultrasonography to determine the presence of polycystic ovaries is unnecessary r32
      • In adolescent females, large, multicystic ovaries are a common finding; therefore, ultrasonography is not a recommended investigation for patients younger than 17 years r4c59
      • Polycystic ovary morphology is designated by a follicle number per ovary of 20 or more, and/or an ovarian volume of 10 mL or more on either ovary, ensuring that no corpora lutea, cysts, or dominant follicles are present r33
        • Transvaginal approach is most accurate for diagnosis r33
        • Transabdominal ultrasonography should report ovarian volume with a threshold of 10 mL or more in either ovary or follicle number per section of 10 or more in either ovary in adults r33
      • Finding anatomical polycystic ovaries, without an ovulation disorder or hyperandrogenism, does not equate to a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome
        • About 25% of asymptomatic females with regular menses have polycystic ovary morphology on ultrasonography r48
        • Sole presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography is not associated with a reduction in fertility r9

    Other diagnostic tools

    • Ferriman-Gallwey visual scoring system for hirsutism r49c60
      • Scoring system that uses visual grading of hair growth over 9 androgen-sensitive body areas (upper lip, chin, chest, arm, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, lower back, and thighs)
      • Each body area is assigned a numerical value from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no terminal hair growth in the body area being examined and 4 indicating marked terminal hair growth
      • All individual body area scores are totaled to obtain a final score
        • A score of 8 or more is typically considered abnormal r50
        • Threshold for an abnormal score varies by ethnicity
          • Certain ethnicities are naturally less or more hirsute, so that scores of 2 to 3 or higher in females of Chinese or Thai ancestry are considered elevated, whereas scores of 9 to 10 or higher in females of Mediterranean, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern ancestry are considered elevated
      • Approximately 70% of patients who report hirsutism have a Ferriman-Gallwey score of 3 or higher r51
      • If excessive hair growth has been treated with cosmetic measures (eg, chemical depilatories, electrolysis), then the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system is not valid r25

    Differential Diagnosis

    Most common

    • Conditions displaying signs of hyperandrogenism
      • Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia r47c61d1
        • Most common form is due to partial deficiency of 21-hydroxylase
        • As with polycystic ovary syndrome, nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia presents with hirsutism or irregular menses during adolescence or early adulthood r52
        • Differentiate by laboratory testing with an early morning serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level obtained in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
          • Basal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level of 200 to 400 nanograms/dL is suggestive of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, whereas 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is typically within reference range (less than 200 nanograms/dL) in polycystic ovary syndrome r47
          • Cosyntropin stimulation test (250 mcg) is needed if the 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is near the upper reference limit r47
        • Diagnosis of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency) is confirmed if the follicular-phase serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is greater than 1000 nanograms/dL after cosyntropin stimulation r47
          • Interpretation of these test results is usually complex; referral to an endocrinologist is recommended
      • Androgen-secreting tumors c62
        • Androgen-secreting tumors of adrenal or ovarian origin typically present with progressive and rapid onset of virilization, including deepening tone of voice, male pattern hair growth, and clitoromegaly
          • In polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism develops gradually and intensifies with weight gain
          • In virilizing states caused by androgen-secreting tumors, hirsutism is of rapid onset and is often associated with clitoromegaly and oligomenorrhea r4
        • Androgen levels are markedly elevated r3
          • Total testosterone level is most often greater than 150 nanograms/dL in presence of malignant ovarian tumors r25
          • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level is severalfold increased in presence of malignant adrenal tumors r25
        • Polycystic ovary syndrome and androgen-secreting tumors are distinguished by imaging, with ultrasonographic imaging of ovaries or with CT or MRI scan of adrenal glands that shows a suspicious solid mass
          • Suggestive imaging findings (solid mass) will favor androgen-secreting neoplasm, although a definitive diagnosis requires histologic confirmation of surgically resected specimen r53
      • Cushing syndrome r54c63
        • Condition of pathologic excess of glucocorticoids due to pituitary, adrenal, or other unusual tumors
        • As in polycystic ovary syndrome, signs and symptoms can include central obesity and glucose intolerance
        • Cushing syndrome is more likely when a large number of signs and symptoms, especially those with high discriminatory index (eg, proximal myopathy, facial plethora, violaceous striae, bruising) are present
        • 24-Hour urinary free cortisol, late-night salivary cortisol, and 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test are reasonable screening tests
          • Results suggestive of Cushing syndrome that require further investigation are increased 24-hour urinary free cortisol, inappropriately elevated midnight salivary cortisol, and unsuppressed morning serum cortisol levels after dexamethasone
          • At least 1 repeated abnormal test result is required for a positive screen
          • Interpretation of these test results is usually complex; referral to an endocrinologist is recommended
      • Ovarian hyperthecosis r55c64
        • Rare, nonneoplastic cause of ovarian stromal proliferation and hyperandrogenemia that occurs almost exclusively in postmenopausal females
        • As in polycystic ovary syndrome, signs include acne and abdominal obesity; however, other clinical signs are more severe, with greater degree of virilization, clitoromegaly, and temporal balding
        • Biochemical hyperandrogenemia is present in both polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian hyperthecosis; however, testosterone levels are usually much higher in ovarian hyperthecosis, approaching levels seen in androgen-secreting adrenal or ovarian tumors
        • Imaging studies (ultrasonographyr56 or pelvic MRI scanr57) may show enlarged ovaries, but normal-appearing ovaries may also be seen
        • Ovarian hyperthecosis is definitively identified by pathologic analysis of tissue after oophorectomy
    • Conditions causing oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea
      • Thyroid dysfunction d2
        • Both excessr58 and insufficientr59 circulating thyroid hormones can cause menstrual dysfunction c65c66d3
        • As in polycystic ovary syndrome, patients with hypothyroidism often report weight gain or difficulty losing weight r59
        • Neither hyperthyroidism nor hypothyroidism causes significant signs of hyperandrogenism r3
        • Serum TSH level above upper reference limit with low free thyroxine level suggests hypothyroidism;r59TSH level below lower reference limit, usually less than 0.1 milliunit/L, with high free thyroxine level suggests hyperthyroidismr58
        • Low or reference range TSH level with a low free thyroxine level may indicate central hypothyroidism r59
      • Hyperprolactinemia r60c67c68
        • As in polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea is a common presenting symptom
        • Hirsutism can occur in a small percentage of females with hyperprolactinemia from various causes r61
        • Hyperprolactinemia is determined by serum prolactin level that is above upper reference limit for assay r62
      • Pregnancy c69
        • Presents with history of amenorrhea, along with other common symptoms of pregnancy, including breast fullness and uterine cramping
        • Pregnancy is not accompanied by significant signs of hyperandrogenism
        • Differentiated by serum or urine hCG level
      • Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea r63c70d4
        • Form of chronic anovulation not due to identifiable organic causes but instead triggered by weight loss, vigorous exercise, or stress
          • Menstrual cycle interval persistently exceeds 45 days, or the patient has amenorrhea for 3 months or more
        • Prominent features include amenorrhea, clinical history of low body weight or BMI, excessive exercise, and a physical examination in which signs of androgen excess are absent
        • Patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea have characteristically low or low-normal luteinizing hormone level, follicle-stimulating hormone level within reference range (which is usually higher than luteinizing hormone level), estradiol level below 50 pg/mL, and progesterone level less than 1 nanograms/mL r63
          • Estradiol measurements are limited in that they reflect and assess a single time point; no single estradiol value establishes a diagnosis of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
      • Primary ovarian insufficiency r64c71c72d5
        • Heterogeneous condition of declining ovarian function and reduced fertility caused by a premature reduction of initial ovarian follicle number, an increase in follicle destruction, or poor follicular response to gonadotropins
        • May occur as part of a syndrome (ie, Turner syndrome, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy) or as an isolated condition r65
        • Typically presents with secondary amenorrhea, before age 40 years, often combined with symptoms of estrogen deficiency, including hot flashes and urogenital symptoms r66
        • Condition requires that patient has at least 4 months of abnormal menstrual patterns (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, or metrorrhagia) and a follicle-stimulating hormone level that falls within menopausal range r65
        • Differentiated on basis of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone level (which must be found on 2 separate occasions in primary ovarian insufficiency)

    Treatment

    Goals

    • Eliminate or lessen severity of physical stigmata of hyperandrogenism (ie, acne, hirsutism)
    • Restore normal menses (to avoid infertility and to protect against endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma)
    • Improve metabolic derangements and achieve normal glucose tolerance
    • Achieve and maintain BMI within reference range
    • Induce ovulation, if pregnancy is desired

    Disposition

    Recommendations for specialist referral

    • Refer to an endocrinologist for assistance making diagnosis and for treatment and monitoring of metabolic abnormalities and hirsutism
    • Refer to a reproductive endocrinologist for infertility treatments
    • Refer to a gynecologist for treatment of prolonged amenorrhea or persistently abnormal vaginal bleeding to evaluate for endometrial hyperplasia r5
    • Refer to a dietitian for meal planning to aid in weight loss

    Treatment Options

    Treatment involves addressing various disease components, including overweight and obesity, metabolic abnormalities, anovulation, acne, hirsutism, endometrial protection, infertility, and cardiovascular risk factors r67

    • For most components of disease, primary treatment is weight loss through lifestyle modification
    • Reductions in total body weight of as little as 5% provide metabolic and possibly reproductive benefits r68

    Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea (secondary to absent or infrequent ovulation)

    • Treatment indicated for symptomatic improvement and to counter the effect of unopposed estrogen from chronic anovulation r69
    • Lifestyle modifications to achieve weight loss (at least 5% of body weight) can increase ovulatory cycles r70r71r72
    • Hormonal contraceptives are first line pharmacologic therapy to treat menstrual irregularity for patients who are not trying to become pregnant r73
      • Hormonal contraceptives also ameliorate features of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism and acne) and provide endometrial protection through withdrawal bleeding
      • Available data show that long-term use of oral contraceptives does not improve or worsen cardiometabolic risk parameters (eg, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance) in polycystic ovary syndrome r29
      • Most clinically important risk of oral contraceptive use is venous thromboembolism, especially in females with obesity r74
        • Among all females, newest third-generation oral contraceptives have approximately 2-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared with second-generation options
        • Available data suggest a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism in polycystic ovary syndrome owing to its inherent prothrombotic state; however, absolute risk of venous thrombosis is very small
      • Selection of oral contraceptive
        • Daily dose of 20 to 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol decreases ovarian androgen production
        • Theoretically, the ideal progestins for an oral contraceptive in polycystic ovary syndrome are third generation or those with the lowest androgenic profile (though these have highest risk for thromboembolism)
          • Drospirenone and dienogest are considered progestins with minimal androgenicity r14r75
        • No definitive evidence for differences in efficacy among various oral contraceptives for ameliorating hyperandrogenism or regulating menstrual cycle
          • Observable improvement in acne and hirsutism requires a minimum of 6 months r73
    • Endometrial protection can also be achieved with oral progestins, progestin transdermal implants, or progestin-containing intrauterine devices r69
    • Consider metformin as second line therapy for patients who cannot take or do not tolerate hormonal contraceptives; not indicated for endometrial protection r69
      • Has some efficacy in normalizing ovulatory cyclicity but minimal effect on hirsutism r76
      • Does not provide endometrial protection unless normal ovulatory function is restored r3

    Treatment options to address obesity or overweight and to improve metabolic health

    • First line therapy is lifestyle modification, which includes dietary changes and exercise, to achieve weight loss
    • Weight loss medications and bariatric surgery are other strategies for weight loss if lifestyle interventions alone are insufficient; indications are as for patients without polycystic ovary syndrome r77r78d6
      • Studies are investigating effects of glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonists (liraglutide or semaglutide) on weight loss and metabolic and endocrine dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
      • Treatment with semaglutide reduces body weight in almost 80% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity and was often associated with normalization of menstrual cycles: most patients were observed to have maintained weight loss compared with baseline 2 years after discontinuation of treatment r79r80
      • Weight loss medications are not recommended in patients attempting to conceive r68
    • Patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes are managed in the same way as those without polycystic ovary syndrome r81r82d7
      • Preferred agents for patients with overweight or obesity are glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonists (liraglutide or semaglutide) or dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonist (tirzepatide); semaglutide and tirzepatide have the greatest weight-lowering efficacy
      • Metformin is widely used and is an effective, weight-neutral antihyperglycemic agent for patients with type 2 diabetes
      • Metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and lipid and cardiovascular profiles for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who are at high risk for developing diabetes r69
    • Metformin has been used off-label to treat oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, anovulation, and obesity for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome; however, it is not recommended as a first line treatment of any of these conditions
      • Metformin is best used as an adjuvant to lifestyle modification but not as a substitute for it r32
    • Glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors are also being investigated for possible therapeutic role beyond their effects on obesity r83r84r85r86
    • Statin therapy has been investigated for potential metabolic and endocrine benefits in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome; however, effects on menstrual regularity, hirsutism, acne severity, or testosterone levels are currently uncertain r87

    Acne and hirsutism

    • Base treatment on patient's degree of distress caused by hirsutism, rather than clinician's quantitative or qualitative assessments
    • Combined hormonal contraceptives are first line pharmacologic therapy for acne and hirsutism r73
      • If results of hormonal contraceptives are suboptimal after 6 months of therapy, can add antiandrogen drugs (eg, spironolactone) r88r89
    • Antiandrogens can be used as monotherapy or in combination with combined hormonal contraceptives to improve efficacy r76r89
      • Spironolactone is effective for hirsutism and, to a lesser extent, acne r76r90
      • Finasteride is a second line antiandrogen for hirsutism; used r91off-label
    • For treatment of hirsutism, a combination of physical hair removal and pharmacologic therapy is most effective
      • For any pharmacologic treatment, allow at least 6 months of drug therapy before making changes in dose, switching to a new medication, or adding a medication r4r88r89
        • Hair growth typically resumes after stopping therapy r89
      • Topical therapy with eflornithine slows growth of unwanted facial hair and may be used first line or as adjuvant therapy; no longer available in the United States r92
      • Nonpharmacologic cosmetic therapies for hirsutism include shaving, depilating, hair bleaching, electrolysis, and laser hair removal r88
        • Results of laser hair removal, intense pulsed light, and electrolysis are permanent r89
    • Additional pharmacologic therapies for symptoms related to hyperandrogenism include: r14
      • Antibiotics, topical retinoids, or isotretinoin for acne d8
      • Minoxidil for androgenic alopeciar93

    Anovulatory infertility r94

    • Preconception weight loss through lifestyle interventions or bariatric surgery is recommended for patients who are overweight or obese r68r70r95
      • Weight reduction of 5% to 10% of total body weight can increase pregnancy rate and decrease requirements for ovulation-induction agents r96r97
      • Preconception weight loss through lifestyle modification (caloric restriction plus physical activity) before ovulation induction improves ovulation and live birth rates r72
      • Bariatric surgery improves spontaneous ovulation rates in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, and oligo- or amenorrhoea; may thereby improve fertility r98
    • Pharmacotherapy options include clomiphene, aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropins, and metformin
      • First line pharmacologic therapy for infertility is ovulation induction using either letrozole or clomiphene r10
        • Off-label letrozole is a first line therapy in subfertile females with polycystic ovary syndrome r99
          • Letrozole is superior to clomiphene for achieving pregnancy and live births
            • Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are about 50% more likely to have a live birth with letrozole compared with clomiphene r94r100
          • Letrozole may be preferred for patients who are overweight or obese
        • Clomiphene is an alternative first line agent for ovulation induction owing to more safety data r100
        • Note: anastrozole, which is a potent and highly selective aromatase inhibitor, is ineffective for ovulation induction r101
      • Second line pharmacologic option for infertility is usually ovarian stimulation using low-dose urinary or recombinant gonadotropins r102
        • Cumulative 1- and 2-year singleton live birth rates are approximately 50% and 70%, respectively r103
          • Live birth rates are similar for urinary gonadotropins and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone r102c73c74
        • Administration and management are complex and ideally done under the guidance of a reproductive endocrinologist
      • Third line pharmacologic option for infertility is metformin r104
        • For the purpose of treating infertility, metformin alone increases ovulation rate but is inferior to other agents such as clomiphene or letrozole r104for clinical pregnancy and live birth
        • A combination strategy using metformin with clomiphene may increase pregnancy rates but does not improve rate of live births compared with clomiphene alone r69r104r105r106
    • Laparoscopic ovarian drilling using laser or diathermy is a surgical alternative for patients who do not respond to ovulation induction with either letrozole or clomiphene r107
      • May be associated with lower multiple pregnancy rates than gonadotropin therapy
    • Can use assisted reproductive technology (eg, in vitro fertilization) if lifestyle and pharmacologic approaches are unsuccessful r3
    • With both reproductive and metabolic treatments, combination therapies (eg, metformin-clomiphene) generally offer greater benefit

    Drug therapy

    • Combined hormonal contraceptives c75c76c77c78c79c80c81c82c83c84c85c86c87c88c89c90c91c92c93
      • Dienogest-estradiol
        • Estradiol Valerate Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate, Dienogest Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate, Dienogest Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet; Adolescents: 3 mg estradiol valerate PO once daily for 2 days, then 2 mg dienogest; 2 mg estradiol valerate for 5 days, then 3 mg dienogest; 2 mg estradiol valerate for 17 days, then 1 mg estradiol valerate for 2 days, followed by 2 days of inert, inactive tablets as for routine contraception.
        • Estradiol Valerate Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate, Dienogest Oral tablet, Estradiol Valerate, Dienogest Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet; Adults: 3 mg estradiol valerate PO once daily for 2 days, then 2 mg dienogest; 2 mg estradiol valerate for 5 days, then 3 mg dienogest; 2 mg estradiol valerate for 17 days, then 1 mg estradiol valerate for 2 days, followed by 2 days of inert, inactive tablets as for routine contraception.
      • Drospirenone–ethinyl estradiol
        • Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet; Adolescents: 3 mg drospirenone; 0.02 to 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol PO once daily for 21 to 24 days, followed by 4 to 7 days of inert, inactive tablets as for routine contraception.
        • Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet; Adults: 3 mg drospirenone; 0.02 to 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol PO once daily for 21 to 24 days, followed by 4 to 7 days of inert, inactive tablets as for routine contraception.
    • Biguanide
      • Metformin c94
        • Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet; Adolescents: 500 or 850 mg PO once daily for 1 to 2 weeks, then increase the dose by 500 or 850 mg/dose every 1 to 2 weeks. Usual dose: 500 mg PO 3 times daily or 850 mg PO twice daily. Max: 2,000 mg/day.
        • Metformin Hydrochloride Oral tablet; Adults: 500 or 850 mg PO once daily for 1 to 2 weeks, then increase the dose by 500 or 850 mg/dose every 1 to 2 weeks. Usual dose: 500 mg PO 3 times daily or 850 mg PO twice daily. Max: 2,500 mg/day.
    • Antiandrogens
      • Aldosterone antagonist
        • Spironolactone c95c96
          • Spironolactone Oral tablet; Adults: 25 to 200 mg/day PO in 1 or 2 divided doses.
      • 5α-reductase inhibitor
        • Finasteride c97c98
          • Finasteride Oral tablet [Alopecia]; Adults: 2.5 to 5 mg PO once daily.
    • Aromatase inhibitor
      • Letrozole c99
        • Letrozole Oral tablet; Adults: 2.5 mg PO once daily for 5 days starting on day 3, 4, or 5 after a spontaneous menses or progestin-induced bleeding. If ovulation does not occur, may increase the dose to 5 mg/day for 5 days and then to 7.5 mg/day for 5 days.
    • Selective estrogen receptor modulator
      • Clomiphene c100
        • Clomiphene Citrate Oral tablet; Adults: 50 mg PO once daily for 5 days starting on or about the fifth day of the cycle if progestin-induced bleeding is planned or if spontaneous uterine bleeding occurs prior to therapy; therapy may be started at any time if no recent uterine bleeding. If ovulation does not occur, increase the dose to 100 mg PO once daily for 5 days starting as early as 30 days after the previous course. Increasing the dosage or duration of therapy beyond 100 mg/day for 5 days is not recommended. Discontinue therapy if ovulation does not occur after 3 courses or if 3 ovulatory responses occur but pregnancy has not been achieved. Long-term cyclic therapy is not recommended beyond a total of about 6 cycles.
    • Kinase inhibitor
      • Minoxidil (2% solution) c101
        • Minoxidil Topical solution; Adults: 1 mL topically to the scalp in the hair loss area twice daily.

    Nondrug and supportive care

    Education

    • Counsel patient on lifelong nature of syndrome and need for ongoing follow-up to ascertain metabolic status and cardiovascular complications c102

    Lifestyle and weight management counseling r67

    • Permanent lifestyle modifications are emphasized for all patients c103c104c105
      • Weight loss improves metabolic parameters, clinical manifestations of androgen excess, and ovulatory dysfunction
      • Reducing insulin resistance through weight loss is important for reducing long-term cardiovascular risks
    • Advise calorie-restricted diet if the patient is overweight or obese c106c107
      • No evidence that one type of diet is superior to another to induce and sustain weight loss r10
    • Advise a program with a minimum of 30 minutes of activity daily,r10 or for modest weight loss and greater health benefits, advise a program with a minimum of 250 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity activity or 150 minutes weekly of vigorous intensityr32c108
      • No large randomized trials examining efficacy of exercise therapy exist specifically for polycystic ovary syndrome, but there is suggestion that engaging in physical activity can induce weight loss, reduce triglyceride levels, raise HDL-C level, reduce insulin resistance, and improve ovulation r108r109
    • Behavioral strategies for weight management include specific goal setting and frequent self-monitoring of body weight r2c109c110
    • Weight loss medication and bariatric surgery are other strategies for weight loss r78

    Cosmetic methods for hair removal

    • Short-term mechanical methods include shaving, chemical depilation, plucking, waxing, and bleaching r14c111c112c113c114c115
    • Long-term methods include electrolysis, laser therapy, and intense pulsed light therapy r14c116c117c118
      • Photoepilation offers better outcomes for those whose unwanted hair is auburn, brown, or black; electrolysis is recommended for those with white or blond hair r88
      • Females of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ancestry with facial hirsutism are at increased risk for developing paradoxical hypertrichosis with photoepilation therapy r88
    Procedures
    In vitro fertilization c119
    General explanation
    • Procedure involves several components, including ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization of oocytes in vitro (either spontaneously or by intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and subsequent transfer of embryos into uterine cavity
    • Frozen embryo transfer may be ideal for infertile females with polycystic ovary syndrome, given that a higher rate of live birth occurs for these females, compared with procedures that involve fresh embryo transfer r110r111
    Indication
    • Treatment of infertility, if lifestyle measures and ovulation induction agents are unsuccessful
    Contraindications
    • Primary ovarian failure (donor oocytes must be used)
    Complications
    • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
    • Multiple gestation

    Comorbidities

    • Longitudinal screening for cardiometabolic risk factors is recommended for all patients r3
      • Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and elevated inflammatory markers r112
      • Amenorrhea may be viewed as a marker of cardiometabolic risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome; patients with amenorrhea have a higher prevalence of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and dyslipidemia compared with those with oligomenorrhea or normal menstrual cycles r113
    • Obesity (about 75% of patients) r18c120
      • Adiposity influences development, maintenance, and severity of cardiometabolic and endocrine features of disease r29
      • Assess with annual BMI calculation and waist circumference measurement r10
    • Metabolic dysfunction
      • Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes are common comorbidities
        • More than 50% of patients are insulin resistant, even those whose weight falls within reference range r114c121c122c123
        • Impaired glucose tolerance occurs in 35% of adult patients r26
        • Approximately 25% of adolescent patients have metabolic syndrome r115
        • Type 2 diabetes is more common (occurring in 10%) and develops at an earlier age in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome r26r116
      • Screen for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes with a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, repeated every 3 to 5 years depending on various factors such as degree of overweight or obesity, presence of central adiposity, and interval weight gain r10
        • Oral glucose tolerance test is preferred to other methods, because it is more sensitive in this population and capable of detecting glucose abnormalities earlier than hemoglobin A1C test r10
    • Dyslipidemia c124
      • Approximately 70% of patients with newly diagnosed disease have abnormal lipid levels, including increased total cholesterol, high triglyceride, high LDL-C, and decreased HDL-C levels r27
      • Screen with semiannual measurement of blood lipid levels, or more frequently if there has been interval weight gain r10
      • Treatment or primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease depends on several factors, including LDL-C level, age, presence of diabetes, and estimated risk of cardiac event within 10 years following guidance established for the general population r117d9
    • Obstructive sleep apnea c125
      • Prevalence of sleep apnea is 5- to 30-fold higher for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, even after adjustment for age and BMI r29
      • Screen with symptom assessment, and if apparent apnea or hypopnea is identified, obtain polysomnography r10
      • Successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure improves insulin sensitivity and reduces diastolic blood pressure r118
    • Hypertension c126c127
      • At menopause, females with polycystic ovary syndrome have risk of developing hypertension that is 2.5-fold higher than that of age-matched controls; hypertension may accelerate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease r29
      • Screen with blood pressure measurement at each visit r10
    • MASLD r119r120c128c129
      • Frequently seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, likely because of insulin resistance as well as obesity
        • MASLD in turn exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
      • Maintain awareness of condition, but routine screening is not recommended r10
    • Depression and anxiety r121c130c131
      • Increased incidence and prevalence over lifetime r122r123
      • Screen for depression and anxiety at diagnosis, then periodically r10

    Special populations

    • Adolescents r39
      • Diagnosis can be difficult owing to overlap between normal pubertal development and characteristic features of polycystic ovary syndrome r124
      • Suggested criteria include demonstration of chemical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism and presence of persistent oligomenorrhea for at least 2 years after menarche r39
      • Hormonal contraceptives
        • In early adolescence, using hormonal contraceptives is controversial
        • Ideal hormonal contraceptive regimen and appropriate duration of therapy for adolescents are uncertain
        • Consider hormonal contraceptives for patients with proven hyperandrogenism with sexual maturity of Tanner stage 4 to 5 when menarche should have occurred
        • Some experts suggest continuing with hormonal contraceptives until the patient is gynecologically mature (5 years after menarche) or has lost a substantial amount of weight
      • Metformin therapy
        • Small, short-term studies have found that metformin restores menstrual regularity and decreases hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance in adolescents who have polycystic ovary syndrome with or without obesity
        • 2 sequential, randomized placebo-controlled trials of metformin among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome demonstrated improvement in ovulation and reduction in hyperandrogenemia and dyslipidemia r125
    • Postmenopausal females
      • Presumptive diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome can be based on long-term history of oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenism during reproductive years
      • After menopause, 2 of the key diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (irregular menses and polycystic ovaries on transvaginal ultrasonography) are no longer applicable, because, by definition, menopausal females have amenorrhea and the small follicles seen in the premenopausal ovary become difficult to detect in the menopausal ovary
      • With aging, there is a gradual decrease in severity of cardinal features of polycystic ovary syndrome (eg, anovulation, hirsutism) as menopause approaches,r126but androgen levels remain higher than in postmenopausal females without history of polycystic ovary syndromer127r128
      • Most females who had polycystic ovary syndrome during their reproductive years continue to manifest both metabolic phenotype and unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors r129
      • Owing to long duration of exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, maintain vigilance in monitoring lipid levels, blood pressure, and glycemia in accordance with standards of care for this population of females d5

    Monitoring

    • Long-term monitoring of cardiometabolic risk factors r112
      • Once diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is made, evaluate and screen longitudinally for cardiometabolic risk factors r10
        • Type 2 diabetes
          • Perform oral glucose tolerance test, repeated every 3 to 5 years depending on various factors such as degree of overweight or obesity, presence of central adiposity, and interval weight gain r10c132
        • Obesity
          • Annually calculate BMI and measure waist circumference r10c133c134
        • Depression and anxiety
          • Periodically assess with a validated screening tool (eg, Patient Health Questionnairer130 series) r10c135c136
        • Obstructive sleep apnea
          • Screen with symptom assessment, and if apparent apnea or hypopnea is identified, obtain polysomnography r10c137
        • Dyslipidemia
          • Obtain fasting lipid levels semiannually or more frequently if there has been interval weight gain c138c139
        • Hypertension
          • Screen with blood pressure measurement at each office visit r10c140
    • Monitoring of oral contraceptive effects r73
      • Measure blood pressure 3 months after start of oral contraceptives, then annually thereafter c141c142
      • Measure glucose and lipid profile annually while oral contraceptives are used c143c144
    • Monitoring of metformin
      • Obtain serum creatinine level and estimated GFR at least annually for all patients c145c146
      • Consider monitoring vitamin B₁₂ levels c147
    • Monitoring of antiandrogen therapy
      • Monitoring response to treatment can be done objectively using the Ferriman-Gallwey system, scoring at baseline and, if possible, at each visit r25c148
      • Treatment can be continued as long as the patient desires and should be discontinued if pregnancy is contemplated r25
      • Monitoring testosterone levels after instituting pharmacologic therapy is generally unnecessary, because hirsutism scores correlate poorly with serum androgen levels r14

    Complications and Prognosis

    Complications

    • Pregnant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have significantly increased risk of adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes r131
      • Higher risk of gestational complications (eg, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, pregnancy-related hypertension) r1r132c149c150c151d10
      • Higher risk of premature delivery and cesarean delivery r1c152c153
      • Newborns of females with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher risk of perinatal death r131c154
    • Increased risk of nonfatal stroke r133c155
    • Possibly increased risk of cardiovascular disease r22
      • Limited data show increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality c156c157
    • Increased risk of endometrial cancer (2.7-fold increased riskr134) c158

    Prognosis

    • Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disorder associated with long-term cardiovascular, metabolic, and reproductive consequences beyond those observed at initial clinical presentation
    • With increasing age, clinical manifestations, such as hyperandrogenism and menstrual problems, may resolve, and metabolic complications may become more prominent; polycystic ovary disease persists beyond menopause r7r116r132
    • Available data on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for females with polycystic ovary syndrome are limited in quality, and thus, conclusions regarding associations are controversial r6r135
    • Risk of cardiovascular disease may be increased in females of reproductive age but not in peri- or postmenopausal females r132

    Screening and Prevention

    Prevention

    • Loss of body weight has been shown to ameliorate some aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome, including hirsutism and anovulation; although not formally proven in well-designed trials, it is reasonable to advise measures to attain and maintain a BMI within the reference range in adolescent and reproductive-aged females c159c160c161c162
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