Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2015 Sep;42(3):86-93. 10.5653/cerm.2015.42.3.86.

Clinical characteristics in Taiwanese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

• Hsu MI

• KMID: 2069032
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2015.42.3.86

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. It consists of a heterogeneous collection of signs and symptoms that together form a disorder spectrum. The diagnosis of PCOS is principally based on clinical and physical findings. The extent of metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS varies with phenotype, body weight, age, and ethnicity. For general population, the prevalence of hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea decreases with age, while complications such as insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances increase with age. Obese women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and lower luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) ratios than non-obese women with PCOS. The LH to FSH ratio is a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating Taiwanese women with PCOS, especially in the diagnosis of oligomenorrhea. Overweight/obesity is the major determinant of cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances in women of reproductive age.

Keyword

Insulin resistance; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Phenotypes; Polycystic ovary syndrome

MeSH Terms

Amenorrhea
Body Weight
Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Hyperandrogenism
Insulin Resistance
Luteinizing Hormone
Obesity
Oligomenorrhea
Phenotype
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*
Prevalence
Luteinizing Hormone