ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder to affect women during their reproductive years. The symptoms of PCOS include menstrual cycle disturbance and features of hyperandrogenism, with associated fertility problems, obesity and psychological issues. PCOS may be associated with an increased the risk of an individual developing type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer. The chapter discusses the importance of understanding the full spectrum of PCOS as it presents to different specialty clinics. Estimates of the prevalence of PCOS are greatly affected by the nature of the population which is being assessed. Women with PCOS are characterized by the presence of insulin resistance, central obesity and dyslipidaemia, which appears to place them at a higher risk of developing diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease. The management of women with PCOS should be focused on the patient’s particular problems. The simplest way to control the menstrual cycle is the use of a low-dose progestogen.
