[Polycystic ovary syndrome I. Clinical presentation and treatment]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is probably the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women and the most common cause of menstrual disturbances during the reproductive age. It is characterised by the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination together with clinical and biochemical signs of hyperandrogenaemia. The majority of patients will seek medical advice because of menstrual disturbances, infertility or signs of hyperandrogeneamia (hirsutism, acne, alopecia). In obese patients the therapeutic mainstay is weight reduction. Anovulatory infertility is treated by stimulation of ovulation, laparoscopic electrocautery or IVF, while patients with menstrual disturbances without a wish to conceive should be treated with cyclic gestagen therapy or oral contraceptives in order to reduce the increased life-long risk of endometrial cancer. Additionally, hirsutism may be treated by epilation or antiandrogen therapy. PCOS is a common disease with an increased risk of NIDDM, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. Polycystic ovary syndrome is thus a disease which needs attention from the health system.