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Questions and Answers
What is the primary recommendation for treating infertility in women with PCOS aged under 35 years and a BMI over 25 kg/m2?
What is the primary recommendation for treating infertility in women with PCOS aged under 35 years and a BMI over 25 kg/m2?
In women with PCOS, when should referral to a fertility specialist be initiated early?
In women with PCOS, when should referral to a fertility specialist be initiated early?
What is the first-line treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS?
What is the first-line treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS?
What is the recommended treatment for PCOS when the first-line ovulation induction therapies fail or there are other contributing factors to infertility?
What is the recommended treatment for PCOS when the first-line ovulation induction therapies fail or there are other contributing factors to infertility?
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What is the recommendation for lipid profile monitoring in women with PCOS?
What is the recommendation for lipid profile monitoring in women with PCOS?
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Which of the following metabolic assessments is recommended for women with PCOS?
Which of the following metabolic assessments is recommended for women with PCOS?
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In addition to lifestyle modification, what medication can be considered for women with PCOS to address weight, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes?
In addition to lifestyle modification, what medication can be considered for women with PCOS to address weight, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes?
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What is the primary aim of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with PCOS?
What is the primary aim of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with PCOS?
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What are the features associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
What are the features associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
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Which of the following best describes PCOS?
Which of the following best describes PCOS?
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Which of these statements about PCOS is incorrect?
Which of these statements about PCOS is incorrect?
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What aspect is NOT typically considered in the assessment of PCOS?
What aspect is NOT typically considered in the assessment of PCOS?
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Why is PCOS regarded as a public health issue?
Why is PCOS regarded as a public health issue?
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What percentage of women with PCOS are estimated to be undiagnosed?
What percentage of women with PCOS are estimated to be undiagnosed?
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Which two of the following criteria are required for a PCOS diagnosis?
Which two of the following criteria are required for a PCOS diagnosis?
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Which of the following is NOT a common presentation associated with PCOS?
Which of the following is NOT a common presentation associated with PCOS?
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What is considered an irregular menstrual cycle for a woman more than 3 years post menarche?
What is considered an irregular menstrual cycle for a woman more than 3 years post menarche?
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What is the primary characteristic of Phenotype A of PCOS?
What is the primary characteristic of Phenotype A of PCOS?
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Which of the following is a potential differential diagnosis to be excluded in cases of suspected PCOS?
Which of the following is a potential differential diagnosis to be excluded in cases of suspected PCOS?
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Which hormonal test can help confirm anovulation in the context of PCOS?
Which hormonal test can help confirm anovulation in the context of PCOS?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS?
Which symptom is commonly associated with hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS?
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Obesity, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes are examples of which features related to PCOS?
Obesity, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes are examples of which features related to PCOS?
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What is the maximum age for primary amenorrhea to be considered abnormal?
What is the maximum age for primary amenorrhea to be considered abnormal?
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What percentage of weight loss may help restore menstrual cycle regularity and ovulation?
What percentage of weight loss may help restore menstrual cycle regularity and ovulation?
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Which treatment option is not considered first line for managing PCOS due to its adverse effects?
Which treatment option is not considered first line for managing PCOS due to its adverse effects?
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What is the best treatment for localized hirsutism?
What is the best treatment for localized hirsutism?
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Which of the following should be used to induce a withdrawal bleed in women with oligo/amenorrhoea?
Which of the following should be used to induce a withdrawal bleed in women with oligo/amenorrhoea?
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What may benefit generalized hirsutism alongside cosmetic approaches?
What may benefit generalized hirsutism alongside cosmetic approaches?
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What is a potential barrier to accessing cosmetic therapy for hirsutism?
What is a potential barrier to accessing cosmetic therapy for hirsutism?
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Which combination is commonly used in the treatment of hirsutism but lacks clear evidence for its specific benefits?
Which combination is commonly used in the treatment of hirsutism but lacks clear evidence for its specific benefits?
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Which of the following is NOT a benefit of lifestyle modification in managing conditions like PCOS?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of lifestyle modification in managing conditions like PCOS?
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What defines the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound?
What defines the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound?
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Which condition requires further investigations if free testosterone is significantly raised?
Which condition requires further investigations if free testosterone is significantly raised?
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What is one of the major management strategies for PCOS?
What is one of the major management strategies for PCOS?
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What percentage of young women may exhibit polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, according to the information provided?
What percentage of young women may exhibit polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, according to the information provided?
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What is a common consequence for women with PCOS regarding weight gain?
What is a common consequence for women with PCOS regarding weight gain?
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Why is ultrasound considered unreliable for diagnosing polycystic ovaries in certain age groups?
Why is ultrasound considered unreliable for diagnosing polycystic ovaries in certain age groups?
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Which of the following is true regarding the prevalence of PCOS in relation to weight?
Which of the following is true regarding the prevalence of PCOS in relation to weight?
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Which option does NOT contribute to the management of PCOS?
Which option does NOT contribute to the management of PCOS?
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Flashcards
PCOS
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, a health issue affecting women.
Reproductive features of PCOS
Reproductive features of PCOS
Symptoms related to the female reproductive system, such as irregular periods.
Metabolic features of PCOS
Metabolic features of PCOS
Health aspects related to metabolism, such as insulin resistance.
Psychological features of PCOS
Psychological features of PCOS
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Public health issue
Public health issue
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Undiagnosed Rate
Undiagnosed Rate
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Rotterdam Criteria
Rotterdam Criteria
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Oligo/anovulation
Oligo/anovulation
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Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism
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Hirsutism
Hirsutism
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PCOS Phenotypes
PCOS Phenotypes
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Psychological Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
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Metabolic Features
Metabolic Features
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Ovulatory Dysfunction
Ovulatory Dysfunction
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Polycystic Ovaries Diagnosis
Polycystic Ovaries Diagnosis
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Management of PCOS
Management of PCOS
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Risk Factors for PCOS
Risk Factors for PCOS
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Biochemical Hyperandrogenaemia
Biochemical Hyperandrogenaemia
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Ultrasound Limitations for PCOS
Ultrasound Limitations for PCOS
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Ovarian Morphology
Ovarian Morphology
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Laparoscopic ovarian drilling
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling
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Anovulatory infertility
Anovulatory infertility
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First-line treatment for PCOS
First-line treatment for PCOS
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Lifestyle modification for fertility
Lifestyle modification for fertility
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Referral to fertility specialist
Referral to fertility specialist
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Second-line treatment for infertility
Second-line treatment for infertility
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Monitoring cardiovascular risk
Monitoring cardiovascular risk
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Metformin in PCOS
Metformin in PCOS
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Weight Loss Benefits
Weight Loss Benefits
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Lifestyle Modification
Lifestyle Modification
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COCP
COCP
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Menstrual Cycle Induction
Menstrual Cycle Induction
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Hirsutism Treatment Options
Hirsutism Treatment Options
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Cosmetic Therapy for Hirsutism
Cosmetic Therapy for Hirsutism
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Eflornithine Use
Eflornithine Use
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Metformin for Hirsutism
Metformin for Hirsutism
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Study Notes
PCOS Overview
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant public health concern affecting reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health.
- PCOS is one of the most prevalent conditions in women of reproductive age, impacting 8-13% of this demographic. Prevalence is higher in certain ethnic groups.
- Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.
PCOS Background
- PCOS is characterized by a range of reproductive, metabolic, and psychological features.
Rotterdam Criteria
- Two of the following three criteria are necessary for diagnosis:
- Oligo/anovulation (irregular or absent menstruation)
- Hyperandrogenism (increased male hormones; clinical features like hirsutism, acne, or male pattern baldness; or biochemical abnormalities in hormone levels)
- Polycystic ovaries (12 or more small antral follicles visible on ultrasound; or increased ovarian volume)
- Other potential causes of the above symptoms (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors, or thyroid dysfunction) must be ruled out.
Presentation of PCOS
- Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and male pattern baldness
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Subfertility or infertility
- Psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, psychosexual dysfunction, eating disorders)
- Metabolic features (obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes)
PCOS Phenotypes
- The NIH 2012 workshop categorized PCOS into four phenotypes:
- Phenotype A: Androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology.
- Phenotype B: Androgen excess and ovulatory dysfunction.
- Phenotype C: Androgen excess and polycystic ovarian morphology.
- Phenotype D: Ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology.
Oligo/anovulation
- Irregular menstrual cycles are defined in various ways based on time since menarche and the timing of cycles.
- Examples: Fewer than 21 days or more than 45 days between cycles
- Examples: Less than 8 cycles per year
- Examples: More than 90 days between cycles.
- Primary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation by age 15) or no menstruation for 3 years after breast development (thelarche) can indicate a possible problem.
- Ovulatory dysfunction can still occur with regular cycles.
Hyperandrogenism
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and male pattern baldness are all clinical signs of high male hormones
- Male pattern alopecia is a frequent symptom
- Biochemical testing (looking for high levels of free testosterone) may be helpful but is not always sufficient evidence on its own
- If free testosterone is high or there is sudden hormonal change, further testing may be necessary to exclude other potential underlying factors.
Ovarian Morphology
- Ultrasound is used to assess ovaries for PCOS. Key details include:
- The presence of 12 or more small antral follicles (2–9 mm in diameter) in one or both ovaries
- An ovarian volume exceeding 10 mL for one or both ovaries
- Ultrasound is not a reliable method for diagnosis during adolescence and the first 8 years after menarche.
- A single ovary meeting the above criteria suffices for diagnosis.
PCOS Management
- PCOS management considers current symptoms, fertility, and emotional well-being, as well as the prevention of future issues.
- Lifestyle modification (healthy diet and exercise).
- Medical treatment (e.g., birth control pills, medication for ovulation induction, Metformin)
- Surgical treatment (e.g., ovarian drilling).
Lifestyle Modification
- Weight loss (even a small amount) can significantly improve menstrual cycles, mental well-being, and diabetes risk.
- Weight gain in PCOS patients occurs at a rate of 1–2 kg per year.
- Healthy diet and exercise programs with behavior change support can effectively help achieve weight loss and improve health.
Medical Treatment
- Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are effective for regulating menstrual cycles.
- 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate are not recommended for treating PCOS due to potential adverse side effects.
- Other medications like progestins may be used intermittently to prevent endometrial hyperplasia.
- Cosmetic treatments (laser hair removal, electrolysis) are useful for localized hirsutism.
- Topical eflornithine can offer temporary relief from hirsutism.
- Medical therapies like the COCP and Metformin are first-line options. Metformin is effective in improving insulin resistance and metabolic parameters.
Surgical Treatment
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a possible surgical intervention.
- LOD involves creating controlled injuries on the ovarian surface.
Subfertility
- PCOS is a significant cause of anovulatory infertility.
- Lifestyle modifications are initial interventions for women of childbearing age. For women under age 35 with a BMI greater than or equal to 25, initial treatment may not require medication.
- Referral to infertility specialists is recommended in cases where lifestyle changes are ineffective or for women over 35.
Ovulation Induction in PCOS
- First-line ovulation induction includes Letrozole, followed by clomiphene citrate.
- Gonadotropins are second-line.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be considered for couples with other infertility factors.
Cardiovascular Risk Modification
- It's important to regularly monitor factors like weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles to manage the risk of cardiovascular conditions often associated with PCOS.
- Smoking cessation should be encouraged.
Metformin
- Metformin is a medication that is helpful for women with PCOS-related insulin resistance.
- Metformin can improve hormonal profiles, metabolic function, and weight in women with PCOS.
- Metformin can be used as an adjunct (additional) therapy to other standard medications that regulate cycle regularity.
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Description
This quiz explores Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common health issue affecting women of reproductive age. It covers the key features, prevalence, and the Rotterdam criteria necessary for diagnosis. Test your knowledge on the implications and understanding of PCOS.