Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome has adverse effects on many organ systems and on women's quality of life, so recognition is important. The diagnosis now requires at least two of the following: (i) polycystic ovarie; (ii) oligo-ovulation or anovulation; (iii) clinical and/or biochemical evidence of androgen excess. The spectrum of presentations of PCOS is wide, ranging from severe hirsutism, obesity and amenorrhoea at one end to mild hirsutism or slight disturbance of menstrual pattern at the other (Figure 2). In the author's clinic, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility (73% of cases), amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhoea and hirsutism (> 75% of cases). The diagnosis of PCOS is made primarily on clinical and ultrasonographic criteria (Figure 3). A discussion follows on useful hormonal investigations, careful history and appropriate initial investigations which will usually help distinguish PCOS from other causes of androgen excess and menstrual disturbance.