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Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39(03/04): 071-077
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735259
Review Article

The Need to Reassess the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Review of Diagnostic Recommendations from the International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS

Sylvia Kiconco 
1   Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
,
Helena J. Teede
1   Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
2   Department of Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
,
Ricardo Azziz
3   American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
5   Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behaviour; University at Albany School of Public Health, SUNY, Rensselaer, New York
,
Robert J. Norman
6   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
,
Anju E. Joham
1   Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
2   Department of Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is associated with negative metabolic, reproductive, endocrine, and psychological consequences among women of reproductive age. The diagnosis of PCOS remains challenging due to limited and conflicting evidence regarding definitions for each of the diagnostic features. This review of the recommended PCOS assessment criteria from the international evidence-based guideline highlights the crucial need to reassess, redefine, and optimize the diagnosis of PCOS. Notably, normal values and cut-offs need to be defined for each diagnostic feature across the lifespan and diverse ethnic groups. Understanding how these features cluster together and relate to short- and long-term health outcomes in PCOS is also vital. Ultimately, greater knowledge of the natural history of PCOS is needed through well-characterized, community-based longitudinal studies, which will inform future PCOS diagnosis guidelines and optimize women's health in reproductive life.

Keywords

PCOS - optimal diagnosis - cut-off values - clustering - diagnostic features


Publication History

Article published online:
17 August 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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