Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Fertility

Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging. There is no single test to definitively diagnose PCOS, and it is often based on the Rotterdam Criteria, which require the presence of at least two of the following three features:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles (due to anovulation, or lack of ovulation).
• Signs of hyperandrogenism, such as excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, male-pattern baldness, or elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) in blood tests.
• Polycystic ovaries, which can be detected via ultrasound. Ovaries appear enlarged and contain many small cysts that do not mature into eggs.

While there is no cure for PCOS, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing underlying metabolic issues. Management of PCOS requires a multidisciplinary approach to address its diverse manifestations, including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and associated symptoms.

Treatment options are personalised to individual needs and may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Medications
• Fertility treatments
• Nutritional counseling
• Psychosocial support
• Symptom management
• Regular monitoring