New guidelines for PCOS

The Endocrine Society has issued new guidelines for the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These guidelines developed by a special task force are based in part on the Rotterdam criteria and were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Women are diagnosed with PCOS when they have 2 out of the 3 following conditions:

1. Problems with ovulation such as irregular cycles
2. Excess levels of male hormone levels on bloodwork or based on symptoms such as abnormal hair growth or loss, acne
3. Large numbers of ovarian follicles or “cysts” on ultrasound

Additionally, doctors will need to rule other hormonal disorders that may mimic PCOS and are advised to screen for medical diseases such as diabetes and hypertension that are more common in women with PCOS. They also issued recommendations for treatment of infertility and irregular cycles in PCOS patients.

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