Challenges in diagnosis and understanding of natural history of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting 8%–13% of reproductive-aged women. The aetiology of the syndrome is complex, with genetic susceptibility, androgen exposure in early life and adiposity related dysfunction leading to perturbance in hypothalamic–ovarian function. PCOS clinical features are heterogeneous, with manifestations arising even in early adolescence, developing into multisystem reproductive, metabolic and psychological manifestations in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss challenges in the diagnosis of PCOS and understanding of the natural history of PCOS.