Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month 2022

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 8% to 13% of women in reproductive age. There are three main PCOS features

menstrual cycle problems, such as irregular periods or having no periods (meaning the ovaries do not release eggs)

high levels of "male" hormones – hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or elevated testosterone

polycystic ovaries – the ovaries contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs.

Being overweight worsens the clinical features of PCOS. These clinical features include reproductive issues such as irregular menstrual cycles reduced frequency of ovulation, reduced fertility, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound and high levels of male hormones such as testosterone. The elevated hormone levels can cause unwanted facial or body hair growth and acne. PCOS is also associated with metabolic features, with risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease including high levels of insulin or insulin resistance and abnormal cholesterol levels. PCOS affects quality of life and can worsen anxiety and depression either due to its symptoms or due to the diagnosis of a chronic disease. There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be treated.

Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) has published 19 systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for the treatment and management of PCOS.

Here is the curated list of our Cochrane systematic reviews on PCOS:

Review updates in development

Stable reviews

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