Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Question 1

What are the steps for the pathology of PCOS? (4)

Answer 1

Excess LH released from pituitary to blood.
–>
Ovarian follicles don’t mature.
–>
Ovulation does not occur.
–>
Immature follicles don’t dissolve and remain as fluid-filled sacs. ( not actual cysts )

Question 2

What are risk factors for PCOS? (5)

Answer 2

• Obesity
• Hirsutism
• Acne
• Amenorrhoea
• Infertility

Question 3

What are the diagnostic presentations of PCOS? (3)

Answer 3

Two or more of the following will diagnose PCOS:

1) Polycystic Ovaries
2) Irregular Periods
3) Excess Androgen

Question 4

What are some physical signs of excess androgens?

Answer 4

• Excess body hair

- Deeper voice

Question 5

What investigations do we do when someone is suspected of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? (2)

Answer 5

• Ultrasound (bilateral polycystic ovaries)

- Blood tests

Question 6

What blood results do we look at in PCOS? (5)

Answer 6

• Raised Testosterone
• Reduced sex hormone binding globulin
• Raised LH : FSH
• TSH
• Lipids

Question 7

How do we treat PCOS?

Answer 7

• Treat underlying cause
• Weight loss/gain (Get patients between 18-25)
• Ovulation Induction

Question 8

How do we induce ovulation? (2)

Answer 8

• Clomifene

- Gonadotrophins