Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD) - Detailed OBGYN Notes
1. Definition
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, heterogeneous endocrine-metabolic disorder of reproductive-age women characterized by a combination of:
- Ovulatory dysfunction: oligo-ovulation or anovulation
- Hyperandrogenism: clinical and/or biochemical
- Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound
It is a diagnosis of exclusion. The term PCOD is commonly used in practice, but PCOS is the preferred medical term.
PCOS is a leading cause of hirsutism and anovulatory infertility and is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
Berek & Novak's Gynecology, p. 1919.
2. Epidemiology
- Affects approximately 10%-13% of women of reproductive age, depending on diagnostic criteria.
- Most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women.
- Most common cause of:
- Anovulatory infertility
- Hirsutism
- Menstrual irregularity due to chronic anovulation
- Familial clustering is common. Inheritance is multifactorial/polygenic.
3. Etiopathogenesis
PCOS is multifactorial. Important interacting mechanisms are genetic susceptibility, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, ovarian androgen excess, and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction.
A. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia
Insulin resistance is frequent, particularly with overweight/obesity, but can occur in lean PCOS.
Hyperinsulinemia causes:
- Direct stimulation of ovarian theca cells to increase androgen production.
- Increased LH action on theca cells.
- Reduced hepatic production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).
- Increased circulating free testosterone due to low SHBG.
- Aggravation of anovulation and impaired follicular development.
B. Increased androgen production
Androgens are increased from:
- Ovary: excessive theca-cell androgen production
- Adrenal gland: increased DHEAS in some patients
- Peripheral conversion in adipose tissue and skin
Main androgens:
- Testosterone
- Androstenedione
- DHEAS
C. Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis abnormality
- Increased frequency of pulsatile GnRH secretion
- Increased LH secretion relative to FSH in many, but not all, patients
- Increased LH stimulates ovarian theca cells to produce androgens.
- Relative FSH insufficiency impairs granulosa-cell aromatase activity and follicular maturation.
Important: An increased LH:FSH ratio is neither diagnostic nor essential for PCOS.
D. Follicular arrest
- Multiple early antral follicles start developing.
- They fail to select a dominant follicle.
- Ovulation does not occur.
- This produces chronic anovulation and the typical multifollicular ovarian appearance.
E. Role of obesity
Obesity can worsen:
- Insulin resistance
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Hyperandrogenism
- Menstrual irregularity
- Subfertility
- Pregnancy complications
However, PCOS can occur in women with normal BMI.
4. Clinical Features
A. Menstrual and reproductive manifestations
- Oligomenorrhea: cycles >35 days or fewer than 8 cycles/year
- Amenorrhea
- Irregular cycles
- Anovulatory abnormal uterine bleeding
- Infertility or subfertility due to anovulation
- Recurrent pregnancy loss may occur, though other causes must be evaluated.
B. Features of hyperandrogenism
Clinical hyperandrogenism
- Hirsutism
- Acne
- Androgenic alopecia/female-pattern hair loss
- Seborrhea
Virilization signs suggest an androgen-secreting tumor rather than routine PCOS
- Rapid-onset severe hirsutism
- Deepening of voice
- Temporal balding
- Increased muscle mass
- Clitoromegaly
- Rapid progression over months
C. Metabolic features
- Overweight or obesity, especially central obesity
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Insulin resistance
- Dyslipidemia
- Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Obstructive sleep apnea
D. Psychological features
Screen for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Poor body image
- Eating disorders
- Reduced quality of life
5. Diagnostic Criteria
Rotterdam Criteria, 2003
In an adult, diagnose PCOS when any 2 of the following 3 are present, after exclusion of alternative causes:
-
Ovulatory dysfunction
- Oligo-ovulation/anovulation
- Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea
-
Hyperandrogenism
- Clinical: hirsutism, acne, female-pattern hair loss
- Biochemical: raised total/free testosterone or other validated androgen measures
-
Polycystic ovarian morphology
- On ultrasound, or AMH may be used as an alternative in adults according to the updated guideline.
Berek & Novak's Gynecology, p. 1919.
Key point
If a patient has:
- Irregular menstrual cycles, and
- Clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism
then ultrasound or AMH is
not required to diagnose PCOS after excluding mimicking conditions. This is supported by the
2023 International PCOS Guideline.
6. PCOS Phenotypes
According to Rotterdam criteria:
| Phenotype | Hyperandrogenism | Ovulatory dysfunction | Polycystic ovaries |
|---|
| A - Classic/severe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| B - Classic NIH phenotype | Yes | Yes | No |
| C - Ovulatory PCOS | Yes | No | Yes |
| D - Non-hyperandrogenic PCOS | No | Yes | Yes |
Phenotypes A and B generally have greater metabolic risk.
7. Diagnosis in Adolescents
Diagnosis is difficult in adolescents because irregular cycles, acne, and polycystic ovarian appearance can be physiological after menarche.
Adolescent diagnostic requirements
Both must be present:
- Persistent menstrual irregularity, interpreted according to years since menarche
- Clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism
Also exclude alternative diagnoses.
Do not use routinely in adolescents
- Pelvic ultrasound for PCOS diagnosis
- AMH for PCOS diagnosis
Adolescents with some features but not fulfilling criteria can be labelled "at risk of PCOS" and followed over time.
8. History Taking
Ask about:
Menstrual history
- Age at menarche
- Cycle length and regularity
- Duration and amount of bleeding
- Amenorrhea
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
Hyperandrogenism
- Onset and progression of facial/body hair
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Virilization symptoms
Fertility history
- Duration of infertility
- Frequency/timing of intercourse
- Previous pregnancy and miscarriage
- Past fertility treatment
- Partner history
Metabolic history
- Weight gain
- Diet and activity
- Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia
- Family history of PCOS, diabetes, cardiovascular disease
Differential diagnosis clues
- Galactorrhea, headache, visual symptoms: hyperprolactinemia/pituitary disease
- Cushingoid appearance: Cushing syndrome
- Rapid virilization: androgen-secreting tumor
- Thyroid symptoms
- Eating disorder, excessive exercise, stress: hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Drug history, especially valproate and exogenous androgens
9. Examination
- Height, weight, BMI
- Waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Distribution of body fat
- Hirsutism assessment using modified Ferriman-Gallwey score
- Acne, alopecia, seborrhea
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Signs of Cushing syndrome
- Signs of virilization
- Thyroid examination
- Breast examination for galactorrhea if indicated
- Pelvic examination when indicated
10. Investigations
A. To establish hyperandrogenism
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone or free androgen index, depending on laboratory availability
- SHBG
- DHEAS if adrenal source is suspected
Use reliable assays. Biochemical testing can be inaccurate in patients using combined hormonal contraceptives because they elevate SHBG and reduce androgen production.
B. To exclude other causes
| Condition to exclude | Suggested test |
|---|
| Pregnancy | Urine/serum beta-hCG |
| Thyroid disease | TSH |
| Hyperprolactinemia | Serum prolactin |
| Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia | Early morning 17-hydroxyprogesterone |
| Cushing syndrome | Testing only if clinical suspicion |
| Androgen-secreting ovarian/adrenal tumor | Testosterone/DHEAS, imaging if markedly elevated or rapid virilization |
| Primary ovarian insufficiency | FSH, estradiol when indicated |
| Hypothalamic amenorrhea | History, FSH/LH/estradiol as clinically indicated |
Mimics include thyroid disease, hyperprolactinemia, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing syndrome, and ovarian/adrenal androgen-secreting tumors.
Berek & Novak's Gynecology, p. 1919.
C. Metabolic evaluation
At diagnosis, assess:
- Blood pressure
- BMI and waist circumference
- Lipid profile
- Glycemic status
75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the most accurate assessment of glycemic status in PCOS. If unavailable, fasting glucose and/or HbA1c may be used, recognizing lower accuracy.
The international guideline advises a lipid profile at diagnosis regardless of age or BMI, with further testing based on risk. See the
guideline summary.
D. Pelvic ultrasound
Used when needed to establish polycystic ovarian morphology or investigate other pelvic pathology.
Typical morphology in adults:
- Increased follicle number per ovary and/or
- Increased ovarian volume
Do not diagnose PCOS merely because the report says "polycystic ovaries." The clinical criteria and exclusion of mimics remain essential.
E. AMH
AMH may be used as an alternative to ultrasound for defining polycystic ovarian morphology in adults, but:
- It should not be used as a single diagnostic test for PCOS.
- It should not be used diagnostically in adolescents.
11. Long-term Complications
A. Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
Chronic anovulation causes prolonged unopposed estrogen exposure, increasing the risk of:
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Endometrial carcinoma
Risk is especially relevant in prolonged amenorrhea, obesity, diabetes, and persistent abnormal uterine bleeding.
Prevention: ensure regular withdrawal bleeding or continuous endometrial protection.
B. Metabolic complications
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Dyslipidemia
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hypertension
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where clinically suspected
C. Cardiovascular risk
PCOS is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Absolute cardiovascular risk in young premenopausal women is low, but risk-factor screening and prevention are needed.
D. Sleep apnea
Consider screening for obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS who have:
- Snoring
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Daytime somnolence/fatigue
- Obesity
E. Mental-health issues
Screen for depression and anxiety, particularly at diagnosis and during major life stages.
12. Management
Principles
Management must be individualized according to the patient’s goals:
- Menstrual regulation/endometrial protection
- Hirsutism/acne/alopecia
- Weight and metabolic health
- Fertility
- Psychological wellbeing
- Prevention and management of long-term complications
A. Lifestyle Management
Recommended for all women with PCOS, irrespective of BMI.
Components:
- Balanced, sustainable dietary pattern
- Regular physical activity
- Behavioural support
- Sleep optimization
- Reduction in sedentary time
- Avoidance of weight stigma
Benefits
- Improved metabolic parameters
- Improved menstrual regularity and ovulation
- Reduced androgen excess
- Better quality of life
- Improved fertility-treatment outcomes
There is no single "best PCOS diet." Choose an affordable, culturally appropriate, sustainable eating pattern.
Weight reduction
In women with overweight/obesity, even modest weight loss can improve:
- Insulin resistance
- Menstrual regularity
- Ovulation
- Fertility
- Metabolic risk
Do not imply that weight loss is the only treatment. Lean women with PCOS also need metabolic and reproductive care.
B. Management of Menstrual Irregularity and Endometrial Protection
First-line: Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP)
Useful for:
- Irregular cycles
- Acne
- Hirsutism
- Endometrial protection
- Contraception
The
international guideline recommends COCP as first-line pharmacological therapy for menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenic symptoms.
Use the lowest effective estrogen dose consistent with individual contraceptive safety assessment.
If COCP is contraindicated or not acceptable
Options for endometrial protection include:
- Cyclic oral progestogen
- Progestogen-only pill
- Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
A patient with prolonged amenorrhea should not remain without endometrial protection. Ensure withdrawal bleeding periodically or use continuous progestogen-based protection as clinically appropriate.
When to evaluate the endometrium
Assess for endometrial pathology when there is:
- Persistent abnormal uterine bleeding
- Prolonged amenorrhea with risk factors
- Thickened endometrium on ultrasound where clinically relevant
- Failed medical treatment
C. Management of Hirsutism and Acne
1. COCP
First-line drug treatment when contraception is also acceptable/needed.
Benefits:
- Suppresses ovarian androgen production
- Raises SHBG
- Reduces free testosterone
- Improves acne and hirsutism
Clinical benefit for hirsutism typically needs at least 6 months.
2. Cosmetic methods
- Shaving
- Waxing/threading
- Depilatories
- Bleaching
- Laser/photoepilation
- Electrolysis
These can be used with medical therapy.
3. Anti-androgens
Consider only if symptoms persist after at least 6 months of COCP and/or cosmetic therapy.
Examples:
- Spironolactone
- Cyproterone acetate in selected settings
- Finasteride in selected cases
Important: Anti-androgens can harm a male fetus. Use only with effective contraception and specialist guidance.
4. Acne and alopecia
- Standard dermatologic acne treatment may be used.
- COCP may help acne.
- Refer to dermatology for severe acne, scarring acne, or significant alopecia.
D. Metformin
Main role
Metformin is primarily used for metabolic indications, especially:
- BMI ≥25 kg/m²
- Insulin resistance
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Type 2 diabetes
- High metabolic risk
It may improve:
- Insulin resistance
- Glucose tolerance
- Lipid profile
- Cycle regularity in some patients
It is not the preferred first-line medicine for hirsutism if COCP can be used. COCP is more effective for irregular cycles and hirsutism, while metformin is preferred for metabolic indications according to the
2023 guideline.
Practical points
- Start at a low dose and titrate gradually to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects.
- Common effects: nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.
- Consider monitoring vitamin B12 in those with risk factors for deficiency or long-term use.
- Metformin may be considered if COCP is contraindicated/not tolerated and cycles are irregular.
Inositol
Inositol may be used if a patient prefers it, but evidence for meaningful benefits in ovulation, hirsutism, or weight is limited compared with metformin. It should not replace evidence-based metabolic assessment and treatment.
E. Anti-obesity Medicines and Bariatric Surgery
For adults with PCOS and higher weight:
- Consider anti-obesity drugs according to general obesity guidelines, alongside lifestyle intervention.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists may be appropriate for selected patients after counseling about adverse effects, cost, need for contraception, and weight regain after cessation.
- Bariatric/metabolic surgery may be considered according to general criteria.
These are not routine first-line PCOS therapies and require individualized medical evaluation.
13. Infertility Management in PCOS
A. Initial infertility evaluation
Before treating presumed anovulatory infertility, evaluate both partners.
- Duration of infertility
- Semen analysis
- Assessment for ovulation
- Tubal patency testing when indicated
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Assessment for additional female factors, including endometriosis or tubal disease
- Preconception optimization:
- Folic acid
- Weight, glycemic control, blood pressure
- Smoking/alcohol/drug cessation
- Immunization review
B. First-line ovulation induction: Letrozole
Letrozole is first-line pharmacological therapy for anovulatory infertility in PCOS when no other infertility factor is present.
Compared with clomiphene citrate, it improves:
- Ovulation rate
- Clinical pregnancy rate
- Live-birth rate
Use only after excluding pregnancy. It is off-label in some countries, so informed discussion is appropriate. The guideline supports letrozole over clomiphene for this indication, as summarized by
ASRM.
C. Clomiphene citrate
- Can be used where letrozole is not appropriate/available.
- Risk of multiple pregnancy is higher than with natural conception.
- Monitoring may be required.
- Clomiphene plus metformin can be considered in selected women and improves outcomes over metformin alone.
D. Metformin for infertility
Metformin alone may improve ovulation and live birth compared with placebo, but it is generally less effective than letrozole or clomiphene-based ovulation induction.
Use especially when there are metabolic indications or as an adjunct in selected patients.
E. Second-line therapy
Gonadotropins
- Consider after oral ovulation induction failure.
- Effective but requires careful monitoring due to:
- Multiple pregnancy
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Cost and monitoring burden
Use a low-dose step-up protocol in specialist care.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD)
Consider in selected clomiphene-resistant PCOS cases, especially when laparoscopy is otherwise indicated.
Advantages
- May restore ovulation
- Lower multiple pregnancy risk than gonadotropins
Disadvantages
- Surgical/anesthetic risk
- Adhesions
- Potential reduction in ovarian reserve if excessive drilling is performed
F. Third-line therapy: IVF
IVF is considered if:
- First- and second-line ovulation-induction treatments fail, or
- There is another absolute indication, such as severe male factor or tubal factor infertility.
Use strategies to reduce OHSS risk, such as individualized stimulation, GnRH-antagonist protocols, agonist trigger where appropriate, and single embryo transfer.
14. PCOS and Pregnancy
Women with PCOS have increased risk of:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy/preeclampsia
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Higher risk of cesarean birth in some populations
Preconception care
Before conception:
- Optimize weight and nutrition
- Assess blood pressure
- Evaluate glycemic status, preferably with OGTT
- Treat diabetes/prediabetes where present
- Start folic acid
- Encourage smoking cessation
- Address mental health and sleep disorders
During pregnancy
- Early antenatal booking
- Glycemic screening at booking or early pregnancy and repeat testing as indicated
- Monitor blood pressure and fetal/maternal wellbeing according to obstetric risk
- Do not use PCOS alone as a reason for unnecessary intervention
Use of metformin in pregnancy must be individualized. It is not automatically continued solely because a person has PCOS.
15. Short Exam Answer: PCOS Management
Management of PCOS is individualized based on symptoms and reproductive goals.
-
Lifestyle intervention for all
- Diet, exercise, behavioural support, weight management if relevant.
-
Menstrual irregularity/endometrial protection
- COCP first-line.
- Cyclic progestogen, progestogen-only method, or LNG-IUS if estrogen is unsuitable.
-
Hirsutism/acne
- COCP and cosmetic therapy.
- Add anti-androgen only with reliable contraception if inadequate response after 6 months.
-
Metabolic abnormalities
- Screen blood pressure, lipids, and glycemic status.
- Metformin for metabolic indications, particularly increased BMI or dysglycemia.
-
Infertility
- Letrozole first-line for anovulatory infertility.
- Clomiphene ± metformin, gonadotropins, ovarian drilling, then IVF depending on response.
-
Long-term follow-up
- Monitor diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk factors, endometrial protection, and mental health.
16. Viva Questions
What are the Rotterdam criteria?
Any two of:
- Oligo/anovulation
- Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism
- Polycystic ovarian morphology
After excluding other etiologies.
Is raised LH:FSH ratio needed for diagnosis?
No. It may be seen but is not diagnostic.
Is obesity essential for PCOS?
No. PCOS can occur in lean women.
What is the most common cause of infertility in PCOS?
Chronic anovulation.
First-line drug for anovulatory infertility in PCOS?
Letrozole, when no other infertility factor exists.
First-line pharmacologic therapy for irregular periods and hirsutism in non-fertility management?
Combined oral contraceptive pill, if not contraindicated.
Why is progesterone important in PCOS with amenorrhea?
It prevents prolonged unopposed estrogen stimulation and reduces risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
What are important differentials for PCOS?
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disorders
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Cushing syndrome
- Androgen-secreting ovarian/adrenal tumor
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
When should an androgen-secreting tumor be suspected?
Rapidly progressive hirsutism or virilization, markedly elevated androgens, or onset over a short duration.
One-line summary
PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion defined in adults by two of three features: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology; management targets lifestyle, endometrial protection, metabolic risk, hyperandrogenic symptoms, and fertility goals.
Recent evidence check: the retrieved 2024-2025 systematic reviews did not identify a finding that changes these guideline-based core recommendations. The current primary reference remains the
International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline.