Abstract

PCOS: A COMMON BUT UNDERDIAGNOSED CONDITION IN REPRODUCTIVE WOMEN

O. Jimmy Devi*, Chennupati Pushpasri, Keshetti Manaswini, Shaik Nishath Anjum, Varkuti Bhagya Lakshmi

Abstract

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a most common endocrine disorder predominantly affecting reproductive aged women. There are diverse clinical manifestations including irregular menstruation, hyperandrogenesim, anovulation, infertility, hyperthyroidism and a high risk of metabolic disorders apart from psychosocial dysfunction. Despite the various manifestations, it also remains as one of the underdiagnosed condition until planned for pregnancy. The prevalence in different studies varies from 3.7 to 22.5% for PCOS in India based on the diagnosis criteria and the population studies used. Management of PCOS in individuals can be achieved by lifestyle modifications, medications and surgical methods. This review provides information on the problem of PCOS in India, its pathophysiology, complications, diagnosis and elaborates about current management options.

Keywords: PCOS, poly cystic ovaries, anovulation, hyperandrogenism, infertility, menstrual irregularity.