ABSTRACT
WHO Type 2 ovulatory dysfunction is characterized by disordered hypothalmic-pituitary-ovarian communication and function. PCOS classically presents with oligomenorrhea and signs of androgen excess, usually hirsutism. It represents the most common cause of ovulatory dysfunction, and it is estimated that 80% of cases of oligomenorrhea and oligo-ovulation are due to polycystic ovary syndrome. It is difficult to ascertain whether the prevalence of PCOS is increasing in both developed and developing countries with increasing rates of obesity or whether increased recognition of the syndrome (or looser diagnostic criteria) are leading to an “epidemic” of polycystic ovary syndrome. The cause of PCOS is unknown. The evidence for intrauterine effects on development of PCOS is inconclusive and genetic studies, including GWAS, have identified several significant associations with several genetic variants, which unfortunately only account for a small proportion of the phenotype. In this chapter, we review diagnostic criteria and associated morbidities, including suggested evaluation of women with PCOS.
