PCOS

Question 1

define PCOS?

Answer 1

characterised by oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism

Question 2

what is PCOS associated with?

Answer 2

o Obesity
o Insulin resistance
o Type 2 diabetes mellitus
o Dyslipidaemia

Question 3

what is the aetiology of PCOS?

Answer 3

• Hyperinsulinaemia results in increased ovarian androgen synthesis and reduced SHBG
• This leads to an increase in free androgens

Question 4

epidemiology of PCOS?

Answer 4

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility

Question 5

presenting symptoms of PCOS?

Answer 5

• Oligomenorrhoea
• Infertility
• Obesity
• Symptoms of hyperandrogenism

Question 6

what are symptoms of hyperandrogenism?

Answer 6

o Hirsuitism
o Male-pattern hair loss
o Acne

Question 7

sign of PCOS?

Answer 7

• Acanthosis nigricans

Question 8

what imaging should be done for PCOS?

Answer 8

o Pelvic USS: multiple cysts on the ovaries

Question 9

what bloods might be seen in PCOS?

Answer 9

o	High LH: FSH ratio  
o	High testosterone
o	High prolactin 
o	Low sex hormone binding globulin  
o	impaired glucose tolerance

Question 10

what are the diagnosis criteria of PCOS?

Answer 10

• Oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea
• Clinical or biochemical signs of hyper- androgenism or elevated testosterone
• Polycystic ovaries on USS