Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS Flashcards
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
What are the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
The Rotterdam criteria require two of three features: oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
What are the typical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and weight gain.
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
The exact cause is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
What is the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
It involves insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, and increased luteinising hormone (LH), leading to ovarian androgen overproduction.
How common is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
What are the risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Risk factors include obesity, family history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and early menarche.
What are the complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Complications include infertility, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.
What are the clinical features of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Features include hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia.
How is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical history, physical examination, blood tests (e.g., androgens, LH/FSH), and pelvic ultrasound.
What are the ultrasound findings in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Ultrasound may show enlarged ovaries with 12 or more follicles measuring 2-9 mm in diameter (“string of pearls” appearance).
What blood tests are commonly performed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Tests include testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, and glucose/insulin levels.
How is insulin resistance linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Insulin resistance increases androgen production, exacerbating symptoms like hirsutism and anovulation.
What lifestyle changes are recommended for managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Lifestyle changes include weight loss, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.
What is the role of combined oral contraceptives in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Combined oral contraceptives regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve acne and hirsutism.
What medications are used to treat insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Metformin is commonly used to improve insulin sensitivity and restore ovulation in some women.
What are the fertility treatment options for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Treatments include clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and gonadotropins to induce ovulation, or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) if needed.
What is the role of anti-androgen medications in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Anti-androgens like spironolactone reduce symptoms of hirsutism and acne but are contraindicated in pregnancy.
How is hirsutism managed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Management includes lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, anti-androgens, and cosmetic options like laser hair removal or waxing.
What are the long-term risks of untreated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Long-term risks include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
What is the connection between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity?
Obesity exacerbates insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, worsening polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and complications.
What is metabolic syndrome, and how is it related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Metabolic syndrome involves a cluster of conditions like central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance, common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What is the role of letrozole in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is used as first-line therapy for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility.
How is endometrial hyperplasia prevented in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Regular withdrawal bleeds using progestogens or combined oral contraceptives reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
What psychological impacts can polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have?
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience depression, anxiety, body image issues, and reduced quality of life.
How can polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) be managed during pregnancy?
Management involves controlling weight, monitoring for gestational diabetes, and regular antenatal care to reduce complications.
What is the prognosis for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
With appropriate management, symptoms can be controlled, and fertility restored, but long-term monitoring for complications is essential.
