2: PCOS and Hirsuitism Flashcards
Define PCOS
Condition caused by raised androgens and presence of several immature follicles in the ovary
What are 2 RF for PCOS
FH
Diabetes
What are symptoms of PCOS
- Oligomenorrhoea (or amenorrhoea)
- Hirsuitism
- Obesity
- Depression
What may be seen in PCOS
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Male pattern hair distribution
What are the hormonal abnormalities in PCOS
Raised LH
Insulin resistance
Where is LH produced
Anterior pituitary gland
Why is LH increased in PCOS
Increase pulsatile GnRH secretion. Raised LH stimulates over-production of androgens
What does insulin resistance cause
Hypersecretion of insulin
What does insulin do
Decreases concentration of sex-hormone binding globulin - increasing free circulating androgens
What is the effect of increased androgens
Increased androgens means there is more negative feedback and no LH surge. This means there are lots of partially developed ovarian follicles. No follicle is selected to be the dominant follicle.
What criteria is used to diagnose PCOS
Rotterdam
What does the Rotterdam criteria state
Individual needs two of the following
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Clinical or biochemical features of hirsutism
- PCOS on imaging
How will testosterone appear in PCOS
Raised
How will SHBG appear in PCOS and why
Low - inhibited by insulin
How will LH appear in PCOS
Raised
How will FSH appear in PCOS
Normal
What is a ‘classical picture’ of PCOS
LF: FSH > 3:1
Why may TFTs be ordered in PCOS
Exclude hypothyroidism
How will ovaries present in PCOS
‘Ring of pearls’ appearance
What do women with PCOS have increased risk of
CVD
What 5 things should be performed in PCOS to screen for cardiovascular risk
- Measure waist circumference
- QRISK 2 score
- OGTT
- BP
- Lipid profile
What score is calculated for PCOS women
QRISK-2