Long-term Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly diagnosed in young women with anovulatory infertility, oligomenorrhoea or hyperandrogenic problems such as hirsutism and acne. Although associated with obesity, the syndrome is also frequently seen in women of normal body habitus. While most attention has been paid to the management of the presenting complaint (infertility, hirsutism, etc.), it has become clear that the polycystic ovary phenotype is linked to a number of metabolic disturbances, including type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes and possibly atherosclerotic conditions. PCOS is frequently diagnosed by gynaecologists and it is therefore important that gynaecologists have a good understanding of the long-term implications of the diagnosis.