ABSTRACT
Anovulation is the primary cause of subfertility in 15%–20% of women seeking fertility care. Normogonadotrophic, normoestrogenic anovulation (WHO 2) occurs commonly, and about 91% of women with WHO 2 anovulation fit the broader diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (1). PCOS occurs in up to 6%–18% of reproductive-age women, depending on the population studied. PCOS accounts for 70%–90% of all ovulatory disorders (2). Women are diagnosed as PCOS according to the Rotterdam consensus diagnostic criteria if two of the following criteria are identified: anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenemia, or polycystic ovary morphology on ultrasound and after other endocrine causes of anovulation are excluded (2). The clinical manifestation of PCOS is variable due to the heterogeneity of PCOS being influenced by factors, including ethnicity, body weight, and body fat distribution. Women with PCOS may have a propensity to gain weight. Although the literature is variable, overweight and obesity are common in PCOS (pooled estimated prevalence of 61%, 95% CI 54-68), according to the WHO criteria.
