PC
| Infobox Disease | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-10 | G71.2 |
| ICD-9 | 359.0 |
| OMIM | 161800 256030 605355 |
| DiseasesDB | 31991 33448 33447 |
| eMedicine | neuro/76 neuro/230 |
| MeSH | D001321, D015518, D015518 |
| GeneReviews | |
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Characterized by a variety of symptoms and physical findings, the condition is primarily noted for its impact on hormonal imbalance, menstrual cycle irregularities, and its potential implications for fertility.
Symptoms and Signs[edit | edit source]
PCOS is marked by a combination of symptoms that can vary widely in terms of presence and severity among individuals. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
- Acne and oily skin
- Obesity or difficulty losing weight
- Alopecia (scalp hair loss)
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin)
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve multiple factors including genetics, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones).
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of PCOS is generally made based on the presence of at least two of the following criteria:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism
- Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of PCOS focuses on managing individual symptoms and may include:
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise
- Hormonal therapy such as birth control pills to regulate menstruation and reduce androgen levels
- Metformin to improve insulin resistance
- Fertility treatments if pregnancy is desired
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
PCOS affects approximately 6-12% of women worldwide, making it the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
While PCOS is a chronic condition, the prognosis can be good with proper management. Treatment can reduce symptoms and the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
