DEFINITION, ETIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS & SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DEFINITION
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• The most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age
• Characterised by 3 cardinal features: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory disruption, multiple ovarian follicles
ETIOLOGY
• Endocrine disorder
RISK FACTORS
• BMI >25 (>23 if Southeast Asian)
• Obesity
• Smoking
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Hyperandrogenism: acne, hirsutism, female pattern hair loss, increased free androgen index.
• Ovulatory disruption: infrequent/absent menstrual cycles
• Multiple ovarian follicles: ≥20 follicles in one ovary on ultrasound