Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is believed to affect up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is a complex disorder that causes hyperandrogenemia and hyperinsulinemia resulting in infertility, irregular menses, acne, and hirsutism. Women with PCOS also have an increased risk for developing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, ovarian cancer, and premature cardiovascular disease. The examiner should focus on the menstrual and reproductive history. The physical examination should focus on hair and acne distribution, presence of central obesity, and ovarian enlargement. The patient may or may not have polycystic ovaries as diagnosed on ultrasound. The diagnosis of PCOS is determined by a combination of ultrasonography, hirsutism, or hyperandrogenemia. The treatment of PCOS is based on symptomatic measures to treat hirsutism, obesity, irregular menses, and infertility. There is no cure for PCOS at this time