Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

1. The Rotterdam classification should be used to define PCOS in the event of: menstrual cycle anomalies; amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea or long cycles, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism and ultrasound appearance of polycystic ovaries. 2. The presence of two of these three criteria is sufficient once all other diagnoses have been ruled out. 3. Diagnosis of hirsutism should not be based on the Ferriman-Gallway score. 4. The ultrasound definition of PCOS contains precise criteria that must be included in the report: presence of at least 12 follicles in each ovary measuring 2-9 mm in diameter, and/or increase in ovary size>10 ml. 5. Screening for elevated plasma LH no longer necessary. Testing for GnRH serves no purpose. 6. Routine screening for metabolic abnormalities should be carried out systematically based on weight, height and BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and laboratory parameters: plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol. 7. In the case of obesity (BMI>30 kg/m(2)), oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) is recommended where fasting serum glucose is normal. 8. Clomiphene citrate (CC) remains the first-line therapy for ovulation induction. In patients with BMI>30, it should be preceded by improvement of metabolic status through appropriate lifestyle modifications.